PODCAST: Defence industry at Avalon Airshow, with Sikorsky Australia’s Cliff Kyle

Joint-capabilities
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By: Robyn Tongol

In this special defence aviation episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Robert Dougherty catches up with Cliff Kyle, Sikorsky Australia general manager and former Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm aerospace engineer, on the sidelines of the Avalon Australian International Airshow.

In this special defence aviation episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Robert Dougherty catches up with Cliff Kyle, Sikorsky Australia general manager and former Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm aerospace engineer, on the sidelines of the Avalon Australian International Airshow.

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The pair discuss the modernisation of the Australian Defence Force’s rotary aircraft fleet, including:

  • Uplift in the Australian Army’s UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter capability.
  • The servicing and operations of the Royal Australian Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk helicopter fleet.
  • Kyle’s perspectives on workforce growth, apprenticeship plans, training and sustainable infrastructure.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: PODCAST: Contested logistics and Australia’s defence industry priorities at Land Forces 2026, with Amentum Australia’s Kim Katheklakis
Episode 10: PODCAST: Containerised solutions and human-in-the-loop systems at Land Forces 2026, with IAI’s Maxim Zemer
Episode 9: SPOTLIGHT: Lockheed Martin Australia’s priorities, leadership and life after service, with Jeremy King
Episode 8: THE PROGRESS REPORT: Leadership, mentorship and life at sea – Commander Melanie Lennard on 17 years in the Royal Australian Navy
Episode 7: PODCAST: Australia’s munitions manufacturing push at Land Forces 2026, with NIOA Group’s Robert Nioa
Episode 6: PODCAST: EOS showcases new interceptor and layered drone defence at Land Forces 2026, with Lee Kormany
Episode 5: CONTESTED GROUND: The information advantage – how AI is reshaping influence, competition and power
Episode 4: PODCAST: Next-generation equipment at Land Forces 2026, with Aquaterro’s Graeme Bulte
Episode 3: SPOTLIGHT: Defence electronics supply chains, counterfeit components and shortages
Episode 2: PODCAST: AUKUS, China and Australia’s defence industrial future, with former prime minister Scott Morrison