Australian Defence Magazine Podcast

Australian Defence Magazine
Australian Defence Magazine Podcast

Australian Defence Magazine (ADM) is dedicated to reporting the business of defence capability planning and procurement as well as reporting the development of infrastructure to support the ADF. ADM's main objective is to provide an essential communications bridge between defence industry and its single source customer, the Department of Defence. ADM also reports on the budgetary process, the policy development, the capability planning process and the procurement decisions which together provide the equipment and resources for Australia's defence force. This podcast showcases the people and topics of interest to ADM and supplements the content found in the magazine.

  1. Avalon Update with BAE Systems and Leidos

    3 DAYS AGO

    Avalon Update with BAE Systems and Leidos

    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 ------------------ 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 defmag@yaffa.com.au 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

    44 min
  2. Avalon Update with Sikorsky Australia & Lockheed Martin Space

    6 MAY

    Avalon Update with Sikorsky Australia & Lockheed Martin Space

    In the next of our Avalon 2025 episodes, Grant McHerron talks initially with Cliff Kyle, General Manager of Sikorsky Australia, and then he catches up with Rod Drury, Vice President International with Lockheed Martin Space. Cliff steps us through his career with Navy and then industry, before discussing Sikorsky Australia's work to sustain the current MH-60R Romeo fleet of 23 along with the 13 new helicopters Navy has ordered. We also look at the importance of keeping and growing their workforce, their work assisting with the new MH-60M Blackhawks Army are introducing, and also their ability to share workforce between the Romeo and Blackhawk projects. We wrap up with a look towards the future for sustainment of the rotary fleet. We talk with Rod about Lockheed Martin's involvement with space capabilities, the Government's deferral of the JP9102 project, and the broad variety of customer requirements they work with globally. We also discuss managing the large volumes of data being generated in space, changes in the space environment, and the issues with increasingly crowded orbits. We then move on to Lockheed Martin's global supply chain, balancing the need for iteration & innovation against engineering processes for safety and mission completion, partnerships with local industry and academia, and the importance of growing Australian workforce talent. Links: Sikorsky Australia www.lockheedmartin.com/en-au/sikorsky-australia-aircraft.html Lockheed Martin Space www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/capabilities/space.html ------------------ 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 defmag@yaffa.com.au 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

    43 min
  3. Northern Australia Defence Summit, low funds for AUKUS Innovation, & our industry grows the economy

    4 MAY

    Northern Australia Defence Summit, low funds for AUKUS Innovation, & our industry grows the economy

    In this News Review episode, Grant McHerron, Nigel Pittaway and Kirra Davey review and discuss some of the recent news of interest that's occurred recently in the world of Defence. We start with an update on the common themes running through the Northern Australia Defence Summit that was recently held in Darwin then move on to discuss the AUKUS Maritime Innovation Challenge that has good goals but seems to be underfunded with only AU$12.45m across all three countries? Focusing back on Australia, the ABS has released figures showing that the Australian defence industry grows the economy so why aren't our government and Defence pushing for more sovereign development rather than just local servicing for FMS deals? There seems to be some movement towards more sovereign capability but will it occur soon enough? We wrap with the news that a UK company has tested a USV with the Australian Maritime College in Launceston which, aside from being local, was also something spotted at the time that left us scratching our heads trying to figure out what USV it was. Links: Northern Australia critical to regional security www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/northern-australia-critical-to-regional-security AUKUS members launch Maritime Innovation Challenge www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/aukus-members-launch-maritime-innovation-challenge Australian defence industry grows economy www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/australian-defence-industry-grows-economy Australian Maritime College tests USV www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/australian-maritime-college-tests-usv Women in Defence Awards admwomenindefenceawards.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 defmag@yaffa.com.au 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

    18 min
  4. Avalon Update with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace

    29 APR

    Avalon Update with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace

    In the first of our Avalon 2025 episodes, Grant McHerron talks initially with Oyvind Kolset, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace’s Executive Vice President of their Missiles division, after which he also catches up once again with John Fry, Managing Director of Kongsberg Defence Australia. Oyvind discusses the state of their operation in the United States and gives his views on the changes that are occurring in Europe. Moving to missiles, he talks about sales of the Naval Strike Missile, resilience in their supply chain thanks to having three factories in different countries, and the level of sovereignty that will be possible for Kongsberg missiles built here in Australia. He then covers the Joint Strike Missile and also tells us about their new Supersonic Strike Missile in development with Germany that will be called the 3SM and is to be available in the mid 2030s. Oyvind closes out by discussing developments with their Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), their remote weapon stations, and how their space business is developing. John Fry and Grant discuss developments in Australia since they last caught up at Land Forces 2025. John talks about integrating the NSM into the Royal Australian Navy's platforms, building the NSM launchers in Australia with 100% Australian components, and construction commencing on their new Newcastle factory. We then discuss KDA's involvement with the ADF's Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise (GWEO) and the potential for building the 3SM in Australia. John also talks about NASAMS passing Initial Operating Capability (IOC) and integrating the AIM-9X into Army's installation. We wrap by discussing the potential for the ADF to purchase Strikemaster for their second long range fires regiment, the importance of IAMD to Australia, and KDA's factories building products for export to other countries. Links: Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace www.kongsberg.com/kda Kongsberg Defence Australia www.kongsberg.com/kda/Who-we-are/australia ------------------ 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 defmag@yaffa.com.au 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

    29 min
  5. 6th Gen Combat Aircraft, AUKUS risks and HEO Space working with Space Machines Company

    13 APR

    6th Gen Combat Aircraft, AUKUS risks and HEO Space working with Space Machines Company

    In this News Review episode, Grant McHerron, Ewen Levick and Nigel Pittaway review and discuss some of the recent news of interest that's occurred recently in the world of Defence. Having recovered from Avalon, we start our discussion by looking at the UK's Global Air Combat Program (GCAP) and Future Combat Air System (FCAS), Australia's interest in the program, 6th Gen in general, and the USA's recently announced F-47. We then move on to look at Australia's unique position due to its dependence on China's economics and the USA's military for defence. The discussion naturally progresses to the topic of AUKUS and its position given the changing world and how many people in Australia only look at the likelihood of its risks and do not consider their consequences, thus avoiding the need to consider alternatives. To lift spirits a little, we then talk about HEO Space working with the Space Machines Company. We wrap up with some plugs for our next few issues of the magazine, the Women in Defence Awards, the Women in Defence Network following the successful Women's Walk at Avalon, and the Northern Australia Defence Summit at the end of April. Links: Sixth-Generation fighters on the horizon www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/sixth-generation-fighters-on-the-horizon HEO launches camera on Space-MAITRI Mission www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/heo-launches-camera-on-space-maitri-mission Women in Defence Awards admwomenindefenceawards.com.au/ ADM's inaugural Women in Defence Walk 2025 www.australiandefence.com.au/women-in-defence/adm-s-inaugural-women-in-defence-walk-2025 Northern Australia Defence Summit admevents.com.au/northern-australia-defence-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 defmag@yaffa.com.au 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

    24 min
  6. 27 MAR

    Avalon Airshow Day 3 has Counter UAS, 6th gen capability, and more AI

    In this News Review episode, Grant McHerron, Ewen Levick, Nigel Pittaway and Ben Felton are joined by Julian Kerr and our producer, Steve Visscher. It's the end of the trade days and there has been plenty of Counter UAS information thanks to Land 156, and the news that Boeing are planning to conduct the launch of a missile from Ghost Bat. We also had a flight on the Honeywell 757 demonstrator which has been showing airborne high speed communications capabilities, some of which are now installed on all new-build C-130s, including those already with the RNZAF and the ones the RAAF will be receiving. We also hear that the RAAF are investigating options for modifying the legislation that prevents them from disabling/destroying drones over their bases as, at present, only the Federal Police can do so. We then wrap with hints of our discussions with BAE Systems regarding their 6th generation muti-role fighter, including potential opportunities for Australian involvement. It's been a very busy and productive trade show so you can expect to see more articles online and in print, along with a number of podcast episodes, but for now, we're wrapping up our airshow dailies and returning to more regular release schedules. Links: Day Three of the 2025 Avalon Air Show www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/day-three-of-the-2025-avalon-air-show ------------------ 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 defmag@yaffa.com.au 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

    11 min
  7. 27 MAR

    Avalon Airshow Day 2 reveals a potential new platform for RAAF and Ghost Bat updates

    In this News Review episode, Grant McHerron, Ewen Levick, Nigel Pittaway and Ben Felton are joined by Julian Kerr to review their experiences from Day 2 of the Avalon Airshow. We note that there are more people here today, especially now that the budget has been released, then give quick summaries of our experiences today. From there, we discuss the information that was mentioned, almost in passing, that Defence are talking to industry about a potential large business jet based platform that could supplement Peregrine and the other existing platforms. Apparently it's not the new Challenger aircraft that are being purchased by a local organisation for leasing to a government agency. Very interesting. We then talk about Ghost Bat developments and the information that it didn't meet the US DoD's requirements for a Collaborative Combat Aircraft and that Boeing submitted another, as yet unknown platform for consideration, which indicates that the company has two CCA related platforms in development. This leads to a discussion about Anduril bringing the Fury to Avalon for its first static display outside of the USA, and Julian confirms that Anduril have rejected rumours that Ghost Shark (the underwater autonomous vessel) is not meeting Navy's requirements. It's been another busy day with plenty to keep us busy so use the link below to get all the updates we've posted and tune in tomorrow to hear a summary of the final trade day at Avalon Air Show. Links: Day two of the 2025 Avalon Air Show www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/day-two-of-the-2025-avalon-air-show ------------------ 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 defmag@yaffa.com.au 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

    13 min
  8. 25 MAR

    Avalon Airshow Day 1 and we're getting good news from Defence!

    In this News Review episode, Grant McHerron, Ewen Levick, Nigel Pittaway and Ben Felton review their experiences from Day 1 of the Avalon Airshow. There's been a flood of releases and a number of briefings during the day, plus a few items that were released yesterday, including the big news about Boeing being selected for the F-47 Next Gen Air Dominance aircraft. We've received a number of updates on ADF aviation programmes, unmanned systems are everywhere, and senior Defence members are willing to talk to media at last. It's a quick update of Day One and the full summary of news can be found on the link below. We'll have more news. videos and podcasts coming out during the show along with some long-format episodes coming out in the weeks afterwards. Stay tuned for more information! Links: The first day of the 2025 Avalon Air Show www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/the-first-day-of-the-2025-avalon-air-show ------------------ 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 defmag@yaffa.com.au 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

    14 min
4.6
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Australian Defence Magazine (ADM) is dedicated to reporting the business of defence capability planning and procurement as well as reporting the development of infrastructure to support the ADF. ADM's main objective is to provide an essential communications bridge between defence industry and its single source customer, the Department of Defence. ADM also reports on the budgetary process, the policy development, the capability planning process and the procurement decisions which together provide the equipment and resources for Australia's defence force. This podcast showcases the people and topics of interest to ADM and supplements the content found in the magazine.

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