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A call to arms for Australian guided weapons sovereign capability
Episode 15622nd April 2026 • Australian Defence Magazine Podcast • Australian Defence Magazine
00:00:00 00:27:34

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In this episode, Grant McHerron visits BAE Systems Australia and talks with Kisa Christensen, Director of Integrated Defence and Autonomy Systems (IDAS), and Stuart Bryden, Business Development Manager. We discuss BAE Systems’ history of producing autonomous systems and missiles and the Company’s involvement with Australia's Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordinance (GWEO) initiative.

We begin by exploring Kisa Christensen's role as Director of Integrated Defence and Autonomy Systems focusing on sovereign guided weapons capabilities and we delve into Stuart Bryden's role in business development, with his expertise in autonomy and rapid product development for the defence sector.

Our conversation examines BAE Systems' significant contributions to Australia through their Nulka program (37 years) and Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM), showcasing decades of experience in guided weapons engineering and manufacturing.

We also discuss BAE Systems’ new RAZER low-cost precision guided munition that exemplifies the Company’s transferable expertise from other domains. The discussion highlights the importance of sovereign capability development for Australia to maintain supply chain resilience and BAE Systems’ readiness to work with the Australian Government and local industry in support of the nation’s guided weapons capability.

Links:

BAE Systems Australia

www.baesystems.com/en-aus

BAE Systems’ RAZER product

https://www.baesystems.com/en-aus/product/razer

BAE Systems Australia secures next-gen Nulka contract

www.australiandefence.com.au/defence/sea/bae-systems-australia-secures-next-gen-nulka-contract

BAE Systems secures sub-assembly export work for ESSM

www.australiandefence.com.au/defence/sea/bae-systems-secures-sub-assembly-export-work-for-essm

This episode has been sponsored by BAE Systems Australia.

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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 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 - © 2026

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