In this News Review episode, Grant McHerron, Nigel Pittaway and Kirra Davey review and discuss some of the news of interest that's occurred recently in the world of Defence.

The big news is, of course, that the NDS and IIP have been released so we've been working through them to look for any surprises or concerns. There's plenty of missiles and provision for upgrades to the E-7A Wedgetail, BAE Hawk, and Hobart class Air Warfare Destroyers, which all are then to be replaced before the end of the ten year coverage of the IIP. Virginia class subs are still showing as happening when expected but mine counter measures barely gets a reference, being buried in a secondary maritime category. While there will likely be cuts to a number of programs to support all the spending, even with the stated increase to the Defence budget, the only program that gets called out is the C-27J capability which is to be wound down as it's not lived up to its promise as a tactical, battlefield air lifter.

We wrap up with the news that the Mogami contract has been signed for the first three General Purpose Frigates to be built in Japan, but we note the elephant in the room which is the Henderson Precinct's readiness to start building subsequent ships in WA from 2029.

Links:

Increasing geopolitical risk drives NDS & IIP

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/increasing-geopolitical-risk-drives-nds-and-iip

Australia and Japan sign general purpose frigates contract

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/australia-and-japan-sign-general-purpose-frigates-contract

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