During Indo Pacific 2023, Grant McHerron met with Chris Muskett, Maritime Engineering Director at BAE Systems, regarding the modified Hunter class frigate design they unveiled at the event, featuring 96 Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells instead of the current design’s 32. Chris gives us an insight into their prioritisation of missiles and long range strike, whilst maintaining their foundational Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capabilities. We discuss the technicalities of designing and implementing their concept design, and we explore Chris’s history and experiences as a ship builder.

The second interview is with Pablo Menendez, Chief Strategy Implementation Officer at Navantia Australia, about the Tasman Class Corvette they have offered to the Australian Government while at the show. Pablo gives us an overview of the role that the Corvette plays, the changes made to the base model to upgrade its systems, and the reduced resourcing it requires. We also discuss its integration into Australian systems, the benefits offered to Navy, and Navantia’s strong representation within the current fleet. We wrap up by exploring Australia’s capability to build and support the vessel nationally, and the assurances provided by Navantia Australia.

LINKS:

BAE Systems unveils upgunned Hunter proposal

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/bae-unveils-upgunned-hunter-proposal

Austal, Civmec, Navantia Australia partner to offer corvettes for RAN

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/austal-civmec-navantia-australia-partner-to-offer-corvettes-for-ran

Indo-Pacific 23 - ADM Updates

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/indo-pacific-2023-day-1-updates

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/indo-pac-23-day-2-updates

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/indo-pac-23-day-3-updates

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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

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