In this News Review episode, Grant McHerron, Nigel Pittaway and Ben Felton review and discuss some of the recent news of interest that's occurred in the world of Defence since early December.

We start off noting that the government has shifted into election mode with plenty of announcements with almost every quote in the announcement stating that the "Albanese government" has done something, as opposed to only one of the quotes being written in this manner. We discuss Minister Conroy's recent announcements regarding ASCA, Mission Black Thorn, and funding to support local industry joining AUKUS supply chains. We also look at Boeing's fourth quarter results which were released on the day we recorded, noting that their Defense, Space & Security division expects to have pre-tax charges of US$1.7 billion across the KC-46A, T-7A, Starliner, VC-25B and MQ-25 programs.

Next up is news from across the ditch with the RNZN not replacing HMNZS Manawanui that sank off Samoa last year, but will instead use HMNZS Otago to pick up much of the work previously tasked to Manawanui. Additionally the NZDF have launched an RFT to cover replacement of the RNZAF's aging Boeing 757 K2 fleet with the Airbus A321NEO (either the LR or XLR variant) and the Boeing 737 Max 8 being the acceptable platforms. Finally the RNZAF C-130Hs are commencing retirement as all the new C-130Js are in the country, and 60 new utility vehicles from Spain's UROVESA have been ordered to replace a quarter of the existing Unimog and Pinzgauer fleet.

We wrap the episode with a discussion on the Army's sea boats replacement transitioning to an FMS order from the US Navy instead of a local solution, the release of the Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Plan and Review of the ADF Reserves on the last working days of December, and Nigel talks about his visits to Japan to view the Mogami Frigate and to the USA to visit a number of Lockheed Martin production facilities.

LINKS:

Defence opts for FMS to replace Army sea boats:

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/defence-opts-for-fms-to-replace-army-sea-boats

HMNZS Manawanui will not be replaced, Government says:

www.1news.co.nz/2025/01/19/hmnzs-manawanui-will-not-be-replaced-government-says

Strategic Review of the Australian Defence Force Reserves:

www.defence.gov.au/about/reviews-inquiries/strategic-review-of-the-adf-reserves

Defence releases Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Plan

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/defence-releases-naval-shipbuilding-and-sustainment-plan

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