In this News Review episode, Grant McHerron, Ewen Levick, Nigel Pittaway and Kirra Davey review and discuss some of the news of interest that's occurred recently in the world of Defence.

We start with a look back at Indo-Pacific 2025 event to discuss what stood out for us now that we've had some time to recover and return to regular tasks. From there we move on to discuss the recent news about DroneShield's directors selling shares (lots of that info in the news feeds) and how the counter-UAS domain requires continuous innovation as systems evolve to beat the non-kinetic systems used to detect and defeat them.

This leads on to a discussion about the difficulty governments and defence forces have globally when trying to buy into new technologies given the rapid pace of change, especially in the unmanned systems domain. Cultural and procurement changes are vital but there's also the difficulty in fielding some capabilities such as long-range strike. We note that Australia's industry can, indeed, support building more capability in-country, as evidenced by South Korea and France, and note that the Australian government's purchase of CEA represents a good example of identifying a critical technology and investing in it once it has demonstrated its capability.

We wrap with a reminder that our December/January issue will be released soon with the Top 40 and plenty of other content.

Links:

ADM's Indo-Pacific 2025 Coverage

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/the-first-day-of-indo-pacific-2025

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/day-two-of-indo-pacific-2025

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/day-three-of-indo-pacific-2025

------------------

The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).

The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.

If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via [email protected] to get involved.

ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence.

For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan.

Hosted by Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Australian Defence Magazine - © 2025

In this episode, Grant McHerron talks with Andrew Chapman, Director - Aerospace, and Christopher "Planko" Plain, Business Development & Strategy Manager, at BAE Systems Australia about sustaining the RAAF's F-35 and Hawk aircraft along with supplying Aviation Technical Training in Wagga Wagga.

We begin our discussion by reviewing BAE System’s current expansion of facilities to support the F-35,  how Andrew and Christopher’s careers prepared them for their roles, and the modernisation of the Hawks so they can be utilised to train pilots for the F-35. We get an insight into the evolution of the training program, the current methods and equipment being utilised to improve training, and assess the balance between live and synthetic training. Our discussion gives us an insight into how training is continuously improved, the preparation for future technologies such as UAV’s, and the changes seen by pilots in the cockpit.

We wrap up with an overview of the Aviation Technical Training Academy and how it is preparing defence personnel to undertake aircraft maintenance and support across the Australian Defence Force.

Links:

BAE Systems Australia

www.baesystems.com/en-aus

BAE Systems Australia's Aviation Services

www.baesystems.com/en-aus/what-we-do/air

This episode has been sponsored by BAE Systems.

------------------

The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).

The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.

If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via [email protected] to get involved.

ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence.

For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan.

Hosted by Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Australian Defence Magazine - © 2025

In this episode, Grant McHerron, Ewen Levick, Nigel Pittaway and Kirra Davey provide their overview of the themes they've observed across the IndoPac 2025 event.

There have been many noteworthy announcements but we do acknowledge the implications of the combat system partnership between BAE Systems, Raytheon Australia, General Dynamics Mission Systems and Thales. There's also the local manufacture of foreign systems to provide an additional source for global markets while also increasing Australia's ability to manufacture items when supply lines are delayed or blocked.

Another major item is New Zealand's ANZAC class Frigate replacement which is in its early stages and may be delayed if New Zealand wants to maximise its investment on the recent ship capability upgrade that has been rolled out. There's also the potential for TKMS to deliver new MEKO A200 ships, via their Renner Group partners, to the German Navy as an interim capability, which could see the first of those ships arriving before Australia receives its first Mogami.

As many companies are now moving to sustainment instead of acquisition, there's also plenty of opportunities for SMEs with innovative solutions while autonomy is now a standard component of any vehicle design, we just need Defence to start introducing them into service. Meanwhile issues with supply chains are being resolved and GWEO is getting into gear.

We wrap with a discussion of the second Women's Walk held on Day 3 of IndoPac25, the observation that anyone with a defence.gov.au email address needs to get in contact with the Defence Library for help with transitioning to the new internal mailing system, and a reminder that the ADM Sustainment Summit is going to be in Canberra towards the end of the month.

Links:

Day Three of Indo-Pacific 2025

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/day-three-of-indo-pacific-2025

Women in Defence Network

admwomenindefencenetwork.com.au

ADM Sustainment Summit

admevents.com.au/adm-sustainment-summit

------------------

The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).

The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.

If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via [email protected] to get involved.

ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence.

For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan.

Hosted by Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Australian Defence Magazine - © 2025

In this episode, Grant McHerron, Ewen Levick, Nigel Pittaway, Kirra Davey and Julian Kerr provide their overview of the IndoPac 2025 Day 2 event, where the number of people attending certainly seemed to be much higher than on Day 1, making it even trickier to get around the displays.

There were plenty of announcements across the day but the big news was that BAE Systems, Raytheon Australia, General Dynamics Mission Systems and Thales announced the establishment of an AUKUS Collaborative Team to develop a combat system for SSN-AUKUS based on General Dynamics existing AN/BYG-1 system. Julian's attention was caught by Sentinel Boats' large sea boat on display but also learning that one of their craft will be sent to Special Forces next week for evaluation.

Kirra spent the day with the WIDN Women's Walk as the group toured the floor helping those new to defence to learn and network. There is another walk organised for a second group tomorrow at IndoPac Day 3.

Other topics being raised at the event include the potential vessel to replace the Royal New Zealand Navy's ANZAC Frigate replacement, the implications for Australian industry and ship sustainment from South Korea's nuclear submarine plans, and the future of the Henderson precinct, including the potential for the Commonwealth to take over the entire site. Meanwhile, BAE Systems have a model of their Type 83 concept vessel which is being proposed as a replacement for the UK Navy's Type 45 and Australia's Air Warfare Destroyers.

Links:

Day Two of Indo-Pacific 2025

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/day-two-of-indo-pacific-2025

Four primes propose combat system for SSN-AUKUS

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/four-primes-propose-combat-system-for-ssn-aukus

Women in Defence Network

admwomenindefencenetwork.com.au

------------------

The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).

The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.

If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via [email protected] to get involved.

ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence.

For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan.

Hosted by Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Australian Defence Magazine - © 2025

In this episode, Grant McHerron, Ewen Levick, Nigel Pittaway and Kirra Davey provide their overview of the IndoPac 2025 Day 1 event, with Associate Producer Kylie Leonard joining us as well.

There's been plenty of news, lots of good conversations, and many steps logged here at Day One of IndoPac 2025 but no major or exciting announcements. There's been good news for PMB Defence along with Ocius, plus Hunter class frigate updates and plenty of optional crewed and/or fully autonomous vessels. There's a large Japanese presence, many Korean representatives, and a general indication from many Australian companies that they're finding more success from overseas markets.

We also get an update from Kylie on the very successful Women in Defence Network breakfast event held this morning that was at capacity with a waitlist of others hoping to attend. There will also be two guided walks happening on Days Two and Three of the event so keep an eye out for them if you're on-site.

You can see all the news from Day One at the link below but for now it's time to recharge and be ready for Day Two.

Links:

The first day of Indo-Pacific 2025

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/the-first-day-of-indo-pacific-2025

Women in Defence Network

admwomenindefencenetwork.com.au

------------------

The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).

The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.

If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via [email protected] to get involved.

ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence.

For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan.

Hosted by Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Australian Defence Magazine - © 2025

In this episode, Grant McHerron talks with Mark Nunn, Strategic Projects Development Lead at Vocus, and Dr Matthew Ilic, National Solutions Specialist – Defence at Vocus, regarding how telecommunications underpins humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, as well as stability operations across the Indo-Pacific.

We begin our discussion by reviewing Mark and Matthew’s experiences tackling communications challenges, the types of failures that can occur during operations, and how a lack of connectivity can shape government decisions. We also explore how today’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) mobile networks have improved response times, the connectivity differences between Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and Stability and Support Operations (SASO), and the delays experienced in delivering modern technology to the field. 

We wrap up by getting an insight into the benefits that modern technologies would have brought to missions that Mark and Matthew have previously been involved with.

Links:

Vocus Satellite Comms:

 www.vocus.com.au/enterprise/connectivity/satellite-services

------------------

The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).

The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.

If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via [email protected] to get involved.

ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence.

For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan.

Hosted by Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Australian Defence Magazine - © 2025

In this episode, Grant McHerron talks with Steve Roughsedge, Toll Group’s Senior Vice President of Theatre Supply Chain at Toll Group, about the Defence Theatre Logistics contract they’ve been awarded by the ADF.

We begin our discussion by getting an overview of Toll Group as a logistics provider, Steve’s career to date, how Toll Group is involved with the Defence Theatre Logistics Contract, and their current involvement in Australia with capabilities to extend internationally. We review how its extensive background in working with Defence has assisted in winning the contract, how the commercial logistics network provides improved resilience to military logistics particularly in the Indo-Pacific, and how it has continued to meet the Defence clearance requirements. 

We wrap up by seeing how Toll Group is looking to expand its capabilities as a 3rd party logistics contractor to international parties. 

Links:

Toll Group

www.tollgroup.com

------------------

The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).

The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.

If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via [email protected] to get involved.

ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence.

For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan.

Hosted by Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Australian Defence Magazine - © 2025

In this News Review episode, Grant McHerron, Nigel Pittaway and Kirra Davey review and discuss some of the news of interest that's occurred recently in the world of Defence.

We open the episode by discussing the recent news from the meeting between Donald Trump and Anthony Albanese where AUKUS was not cancelled but the focus seemed to be on the critical minerals deal and the significant investment in the US market to come from Australian super funds. The works at HMAS Sterling and the ambiguity remaining in the agreement were touched on along with Minister Conroy's upbeat views, his reference to the sovereignty of any Virginia subs we may obtain, and the recent acknowledgement by our government that the future disposal of nuclear reactors had not yet been costed.

After AUKUS we note that Kongsberg and Thales have test fired a missile booster from a Bushmaster vehicle in Norway, demonstrating that the StrikeMaster concept is functional and supporting its consideration for Army's Land 8113 Phase 2 Land Based Maritime Strike program. Currently up against HIMARS and PrSM Increment 2, there's a chance that the ADF could select both platforms which would be quite the development.

We return to the US to note that GA-ASI has been selected to produce the conceptual design for the US Navy's Collaborative Combat Aircraft. It's getting very crowded in the CCA market with Boeing's MQ-28A Ghost Bat, the GA-ASI and Anduril products, a Korean product and even one from Turkey. This will be a very interesting space to watch going forwards.

We wrap with news from ADM's Women In Defence Awards evening, the upcoming ADM 30 Under 30 Awards, our presence at Indo-Pac next week, and the two ADM Women in Defence Network Women's Walks that will occur at the event. We're looking forward to seeing you at Indo-Pac so please do come and say hello.

Links:

AUKUS deal through to the next round

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/aukus-deal-through-to-the-next-round

Kongsberg and Thales fire Naval Strike Missile

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/kongsberg-and-thales-fire-naval-strike-missile

GA-ASI to design CCA for US Navy

https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/ga-asi-to-design-cca-for-us-navy

ADM Women in Defence Awards

admwomenindefenceawards.com.au

ADM 30 Under 30 Awards

adm30u30awards.com.au

ADM Women In Defence Network - Women's Walk at Indo-Pac 2025

admwomenindefencenetwork.com.au/event/adm-womens-walk-indopac2025

------------------

The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).

The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.

If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via [email protected] to get involved.

ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence.

For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan.

Hosted by Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Australian Defence Magazine - © 2025

In this News Review episode, Grant McHerron, Ewen Levick, Nigel Pittaway and Kirra Davey review and discuss some of the news of interest that's occurred recently in the world of Defence.

We start with a review of the International Astronomical Congress that Kirra attended during the week, including Australia signing agreements with the USA and seeking to get more engagement with the European Space Agency. It was noted that if Australia is in Eurovision, perhaps being in the ESA isn't such a stretch, especially given the launch sites Australia has to offer for both equatorial and polar orbits.

We then move on to notification that Australia has requested approval from the USA to potentially purcase another 48 HIMARS vehicles in addition to those we have already order. This is likely to ensure that, if Lockheed Martin and HIMARS are selected for Land 8113 Phase 2 (Land Based Maritime Strike) there won't be any concerns from the USA. The other contender for Phase 2 is Thales Australia with Kongsberg Defence Australia with their StrikeMaster offering (a Bushmaster with Naval Strike Missile launchers). We also discuss how the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) offers improved targeting in GPS denied and contested areas once Increment 2 becomes available, plus how HIMARS plus PrSM could help provide Australia with control over shipping in the straits to our North.

Next up is a discussion of the pending AUKUS Review from the USA along with the many sources saying that the Virginia submarines for Australia could be delayed (or even cancelled), how more money may be requested from Australia, or that maybe SSN AUKUS gets an accelerated timeline. We also note that AUKUS is currently more favoured towards the US & UK given the US$3bn we're sending each of them, plus the infrastructure development we're establishing to support Submarine Rotational Force - West. Will our US$3bn payments count towards the 3.5% of GDP target?

We wrap by noting that the Women in Defence Awards night is approaching and that submissions for the 30 Under 30 awards have closed. There's lots going on and plenty to keep us busy with bringing you the important news in Defence and industry.

Links:

Australia and US sign aeronautical agreement

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/australia-and-us-sign-aeronautical-agreement

Astroscale seeks Australian foothold

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/astroscale-seeks-australian-foothold

Australian space institute launches at IAC 2025

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/australian-space-institute-launches-at-iac-2025

Australia buys M142 HIMARS (GWEO starting to walk faster?)

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/australia-buys-m142-himars

ADM Women in Defence Awards

admwomenindefenceawards.com.au

ADM 30 Under 30 Awards

adm30u30awards.com.au

------------------

The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).

The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.

If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via [email protected] to get involved.

ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence.

For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan.

Hosted by Grant McHerron

Editor: Chris Visscher

Producer: Steve Visscher

Australian Defence Magazine - © 2025

In this episode, Grant McHerron talks with two people from KBR's Australia Defence and Security Solutions group: Christine Gillon, Director of People and Culture, and Ben Kelly, Senior Director of Sustainment and Integration. We discuss KBR’s growth in Australia and their role providing Defence with sustainment and engineering solutions.

We begin our discussion by getting an overview of Christine and Ben’s career to date and KBR’s decades of experience in delivering science, technology, and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. Our conversation explores the key areas of focus for KBR in Australia particularly around sustainment and sovereign capability, and the roles and careers available at KBR and the range of benefits that they bring.

We wrap up by getting an insight into how you can progress your career with KBR.

Links:

Careers at KBR

https://careers.kbr.com/us/en 

------------------

The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).

The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.

If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via [email protected] to get involved.

ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence.

For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan.

Hosted by Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Australian Defence Magazine - © 2025