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

We open the episode with Kirra's comments on the Hunter Defence Conference that she attended, including reference to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries being present, which leads to a discussion on Mogami, MHI's capabilities, and observations that there's still a way to go before the contract is signed. We also consider Minister Controy's recent speech to the QLD Media Club which, among other topics, noted that Land 156 will be "both a benchmark and a blueprint for how we will deliver speed to capability in the future," and also that these systems could be deployed to assist civil society while referencing the Brisbane Olympics in 2032.

The subsequent topics include Lockheed Martin Australia signing a contract with Avalon Airport to store GMLRs jigs and other components at the airport until their manufacturing site is ready to use them, plus Kongsberg have won another contract to export their NSM launchers and control consoles, all of which are made entirely within Australia with no foreign parts or companies involved. We then move on to discuss South Korea wanting to further engage with Australia for both training and for launching satellites, which could lead to Australia gaining access to more innovative technologies while also being a boon for ADM's next Australia-Korea Defence Congress.

We wrap the episode with a reminder that ADM's 30 Under 30 Awards have opened for 2025 and Kirra's recent interview with previous award winner, Nasstassja Regan.

Links:

Hunter Defence Conference 2025

www.hunterdefence.org.au/hdc2025

ADM Eyes on Asia - August 13th - Japan reacts to MHI's Mogami winning Sea 3000

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/adm-eyes-on-asia-13-august-2025

Minister Conroy's address to the QLD Media Club

www.minister.defence.gov.au/speeches/2025-08-19/address-queensland-media-club-delivering-australias-defence-capability

Lockheed Martin Australia signs agreement with Avalon Airport

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/lockheed-martin-australia-signs-agreement-with-avalon-airport

Kongsberg Defence Australia secures missile launcher deal

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/kongsberg-defence-australia-secures-missile-launcher-deal

South Korea seeks closer ties

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/south-korea-seeks-closer-ties

ADM 30 Under 30 Awards

adm30u30awards.com.au

Why enter ADM's 30 Under 30 Awards?

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/why-enter-adm-30-under-30

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The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title...

In this episode, Grant McHerron talks with Phil Guy, Managing Director of Alkath and Darrel Madden Manager for Testing and Training at Mellori Solutions QLD, regarding updates in the world of electronic warfare over the past year.

We begin our discussion by getting an overview of Darrel’s career and time in the army, then review the major lessons learned from Ukraine and the Middle East, particularly around the rapid development and delivery life cycles, and evaluating tradeshow presentations against the reality of the battlefield. We also explore the difficulties of testing EM Spectrum weapons that are considered to ‘break’ exercises, how training can be improved to better address EW technologies, and how security classifications and legacy systems have restricted the training of AI.

We wrap up by getting an insight into their Blue Jay Mobile test and emitter system, and how it has been received in the market following its launch in November 2024.

Links:

Alkath

alkath.group

Mellori Solutions' Blue Jay

mellori.com.au/?products=blue-jay

Mellori Solutions launches portable radiofrequency testing system

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/mellori-solutions-launches-portable-radiofrequency-testing-system

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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

Editor: Chris Visscher

Australian Defence Magazine - © 2025

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.

The big news item that has captured a lot of attention has been the announcement that Japan's upgraded Mogami-class frigate has been selected for Project Sea 3000. We discuss the "already in the water" concept, interoperability, controlling design changes, the state of Henderson, whether any will be built in Australia, and the government's announcement of the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement with Austal.

We then move on to the recent announcement that the US has approved a Baseline 2 upgrade for our new MC-55A Peregrines before the first aircraft is even delivered. With references to "squeezing an EC-135 into a Gulfstream G550" its no surprise the project is running behind schedule but the capability will be very impressive when it arrives.

We wrap up with a reminder that ADM's 30 Under 30 Awards for 2025 have opened so its time to get your nominations in for consideration.

Links:

Japan to build Australia's new general purpose frigates

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/japan-to-build-australia-s-new-general-purpose-frigates

More on Mogami

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/more-on-mogami

Peregrine upgrade wins approval

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/peregrine-upgrade-wins-approval

ADM 30 Under 30 Awards 2025 entries are now open

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/adm-30-under-30-awards-2025-entries-are-now-open

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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

Editor: Chris Visscher

Australian Defence Magazine - © 2025