PODCAST: Black Hawk capability, B-21 bomber debate, and upcoming budget

Joint-capabilities
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By: Robyn Tongol

Questions remain around Australia’s defence modernisation efforts. Can the nation continue expanding advanced capabilities while balancing cost, readiness, and strategic priorities?

Questions remain around Australia’s defence modernisation efforts. Can the nation continue expanding advanced capabilities while balancing cost, readiness, and strategic priorities?

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Robert Dougherty and Bethany Alvaro discuss concerns surrounding the Arafura Class offshore patrol vessel program, including delays, capability questions, and reductions to planned vessel numbers.

The discussion also explores the Australian Army’s UH-60M Black Hawk fleet, emerging technologies such as sonic weapons and autonomous underwater systems, as well as sustainability in defence capability development.

 
 

Attention then turns to proposals for Australia to consider B-21 Raider bombers as part of its long-range strike capability, alongside broader questions surrounding AUKUS, defence spending, and strategic alignment with the United States.

Rounding out the episode, the team examines expectations ahead of the upcoming federal budget and what it could mean for future defence priorities.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: PODCAST: Supermarine Spitfire, warbird aviation and modern aerial innovation, with Keith Russell
Episode 10: PODCAST: Bushmaster PMV funding, long-range strike expansion and cyber defence
Episode 9: PODCAST: Space Command workforce expansion and operationalising the domain, with Major General Gregory Novak AM
Episode 8: CONTESTED GROUND: The Defence budget, inflationary pressures and domestic information warfare
Episode 7: SPOTLIGHT: Maritime sustainment, mission-ready maintenance and resilient fleet capability, with Serco’s David Astbury
Episode 6: PODCAST: Anzac Day reflections, veteran support reform and ADF workforce trends, with Minister Matt Keogh
Episode 5: SPOTLIGHT: Open-source growth across defence and national security, with SUSE CMO Margaret Dawson
Episode 4: CONTESTED GROUND: Shipping, supply chains and Australia’s exposure to a volatile system, with UNSW’s Professor Douglas Guilfoyle and Associate Professor Daniel Prior
Episode 3: PODCAST: Military drone racing, FPV integration and warfare trends, with Wing Commander Keirin Joyce
Episode 2: PODCAST: ADF promotions, Middle East aftershocks and dreaded Defence budget cuts