In this News Review episode, Grant McHerron, Ewen Levick and Kirra Davey review and discuss some of the news of interest that's occurred recently in the world of Defence.
We start with a look at Land 156 with plenty of releases lately, including the announcement that the EOS Slinger cannon will be included and that Leidos has been selected as the system integrator. There's also been news of expanded UAS and Counter UAS systems as the government wants to show they're spending on Defence industry now, not just in the future. We also discuss the need for C-UAS layers covering EW, kinetic, high energy and so on, plus the cost of kill vs the cost of the drones themselves.
Next up is the news that Norway is purchasing BAE's Type 26 Frigate which is the basis for our Hunter class and has also been selected by the Canadians. We note that this demonstrates the cooperation between the UK and Norway but also ponder whether BAE has the capacity to deliver the first vessel by 2030, although perhaps being kept the same as the UK's vessels will help.
This naturally leads to a discussion about Hunter, mainstream media references to it being a "troubled" program, and how more engagement with media would help. There's also a quick chat about who gets to name the new ships.
We wrap with the news that the keel of the sixth and final Offshore Patrol Vessel has been laid, along with the observation that there's a lot of maritime news lately and thoughts regarding the pending IIP update.
Links:
Leidos selected as Land 156 systems integrator
www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/leidos-selected-as-land-156-systems-integrator
Defence expands UAS and CUAS capabilities
www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/defence-expands-uas-and-cuas-capabilities
Norway selects Type 26 frigate
www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/norway-selects-type-26-frigate
Defence lays keel for Offshore Patrol Vessel
www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/defence-lays-keel-for-offshore-patrol-vessel
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