In the next of our Avalon 2025 episodes, Grant McHerron talks initially with Mat Jones, Head of Future Business at BAE Systems, and then with Ed Kearny, Business Development Manager, Leidos.

Mat walks us around the BAE Systems stand which featured a large collection of products from their global operation and partners. We start with the MBDA's Meteor, an alternative to products from the USA which has opportunities for transferring technology to Australia, such as seekers and rocket motors. After discussing the need for low cost mass fires, we moved on Innovaero's OWL family of drones which can provide cost effective loitering munitions and counter UAS capabilities. This leads to a discussion of lessons from Ukraine, BAE Systems' work on Nulka, the passive RF sensor on the Joint Strike Missile, and the many SMEs doing leading edge EW in Australia. We wrap up the walk around with an update on Stryx and the Razer systems which were launched two years ago at the previous Avalon event, then discuss the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

Ed Kearny discusses Leidos' Counter UAS systems, starting with their AirShield which covers Group 1, 2 and 3 UAVs and consists of a specialist sensor and decision engine system which can operate with a range of effectors. The system uses Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to differentiate UAS from biologics, assess the situation and recommend to the operator the best effector for each identified threat. We also look at their Enduring Shield system, also called the Indirect Fire Protection Capability, that covers Group 4 & 5 UAS. We wrap up the discussion by covering their directed energy weapons, high-powered microwave systems, and the THOR system that uses broadband high powered microwaves to destroy electrical systems in its target area.

Links:

BAE Systems Australia:

https://www.baesystems.com/en-aus/home

Leidos at Avalon 2025:

https://www.leidos.com/company/global/australia/avalon-2025

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