SPOTLIGHT: AUKUS, frigates and the future of the Royal Australian Navy, with Babcock Australasia CEO Andrew Cridland

Joint-capabilities
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By: Babcock

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Babcock Australasia chief executive Andrew Cridland joins host Liam Garman to discuss how Babcock is uniquely positioned to support the delivery of AUKUS Pillar I and the allied surface combatant fleet.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Babcock Australasia chief executive Andrew Cridland joins host Liam Garman to discuss how Babcock is uniquely positioned to support the delivery of AUKUS Pillar I and the allied surface combatant fleet.

  • The pair begin the podcast by unpacking Cridland’s long career in the defence industry and Babcock Australasia’s key priorities over the coming year, including continued expansion in the Asia-Pacific region, supporting the delivery of core AUKUS capabilities and continued leadership in HF communications.
  • Cridland then details how Babcock is uniquely placed to support the delivery of Australia’s first nuclear-powered submarines, including how the company supports the maintenance of the UK’s entire nuclear-powered submarine fleet.
  • The podcast wraps up by unpacking how Babcock is supporting the delivery of allied surface combatants, looking at how the Arrowhead offering is providing an affordable, efficient and scalable option for navies across the globe.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: PODCAST: Black Hawk modernisation, domestic sustainment and workforce development, with Lockheed Martin’s Rodahn Gibbon and Bobby Adkins
Episode 10: SPOTLIGHT: DISP compliance, defence industry security and strengthening Australian supply chains, with De Stefano & Co’s Emilio De Stefano
Episode 9: PODCAST: AUKUS, workforce challenges and domestic defence industry priorities, with AtkinsRéalis’ David Eyles
Episode 8: PODCAST: Aerospace engineering, UAVs and Australia’s next generation of defence talent, with RMIT University’s Marcus Serong
Episode 7: PODCAST: Counter-drone systems, manufacturing and Australia’s defence industry priorities, with Northrop Grumman Australia’s Robert Denney
Episode 6: SPOTLIGHT: Australia’s loitering munitions, sovereign manufacturing and the future of drone warfare, with Innovaero’s Gregory Tunny
Episode 5: PODCAST: Contested logistics and Australia’s defence industry priorities at Land Forces 2026, with Amentum Australia’s Kim Katheklakis
Episode 4: PODCAST: Containerised solutions and human-in-the-loop systems at Land Forces 2026, with IAI’s Maxim Zemer
Episode 3: SPOTLIGHT: Lockheed Martin Australia’s priorities, leadership and life after service, with Jeremy King
Episode 2: THE PROGRESS REPORT: Leadership, mentorship and life at sea – Commander Melanie Lennard on 17 years in the Royal Australian Navy