SPOTLIGHT: Spruiking the StrikeMaster, with Ben Kelly from Thales Australia and John Fry from Kongsberg

Joint-capabilities
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By: Robyn Tongol
SPOTLIGHT: Spruiking the StrikeMaster, with Ben Kelly from Thales Australia and John Fry from Kongsberg

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Ben Kelly — director, protected vehicles at Thales Australia — and John Fry — general manager at Kongsberg — discuss their joint efforts to develop next-generation, land-based maritime strike capability for the Australian Defence Force.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Ben Kelly — director, protected vehicles at Thales Australia — and John Fry — general manager at Kongsberg — discuss their joint efforts to develop next-generation, land-based maritime strike capability for the Australian Defence Force.

  

Topics discussed include:

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  • Leveraging the tried-and-tested Bushmaster PMV to develop a new mobile strike platform, the StrikeMaster.
  • The evolution of the program, from concept to proposal for LAND 4100 Phase 2.
  • Thales and Kongsberg’s sovereign collaboration and their respective contributions to the project.
  • Features and capabilities of the StrikeMaster, including the range of missile systems.
  • The strategic importance of the capability and its deployment potential.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect Team

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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: PODCAST: Aerospace engineering, UAVs and Australia’s next generation of defence talent, with RMIT University’s Marcus Serong
Episode 10: PODCAST: Counter-drone systems, manufacturing and Australia’s defence industry priorities, with Northrop Grumman Australia’s Robert Denney
Episode 9: SPOTLIGHT: Australia’s loitering munitions, sovereign manufacturing and the future of drone warfare, with Innovaero’s Gregory Tunny
Episode 8: PODCAST: Contested logistics and Australia’s defence industry priorities at Land Forces 2026, with Amentum Australia’s Kim Katheklakis
Episode 7: PODCAST: Containerised solutions and human-in-the-loop systems at Land Forces 2026, with IAI’s Maxim Zemer
Episode 6: SPOTLIGHT: Lockheed Martin Australia’s priorities, leadership and life after service, with Jeremy King
Episode 5: THE PROGRESS REPORT: Leadership, mentorship and life at sea – Commander Melanie Lennard on 17 years in the Royal Australian Navy
Episode 4: PODCAST: Australia’s munitions manufacturing push at Land Forces 2026, with NIOA Group’s Robert Nioa
Episode 3: PODCAST: EOS showcases new interceptor and layered drone defence at Land Forces 2026, with Lee Kormany
Episode 2: CONTESTED GROUND: The information advantage – how AI is reshaping influence, competition and power