In this special Defence Connect Podcast, hosts Liam Garman and Steve Kuper unpack the findings of the government’s independent analysis of the Navy’s surface combatant fleet with former defence minister and ambassador to the US, the Honourable Kim Beazley AC. The trio begin by discussing the background and logic behind the review and how they shaped the findings the government ultimately released.

They then move on to discuss the government’s commitment to expand the number of surface combatants in the fleet and the emphasis on building out the “Tier 2” fleet alongside innovative capabilities, including autonomy. Finally, the trio discuss the balancing act required to deliver this ambitious plan and Australia’s fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team