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: AUKUS, China and Australia’s defence industrial future, with former prime minister Scott Morrison
Episode 10: CONTESTED GROUND: When AI goes rogue – the emerging threat Australia isn’t ready for
Episode 9: PODCAST: Frontier AI, cyber warfare, and defending Australia’s military networks, with Wendi Whitmore and Tom Scully
Episode 8: PODCAST: Australia’s 2026 Intergenerational Report and national security implications, with Phillip Tarrant and Robert Dougherty
Episode 7: CONTESTED GROUND: AUKUS, deterrence, and the deepening Australia–UK strategic partnership
Episode 6: SPOTLIGHT: Unlocking Australia’s Defence estate through divestment, with Stantec Australia
Episode 5: CONTESTED GROUND: Is Australia ready to secure its place in an increasingly contested space domain?
Episode 4: THE PROGRESS REPORT: Building the future – Viviene Beins on aerospace engineering, women, and Australia’s defence industry
Episode 3: PODCAST: Australian defence industry faces a changing strategic landscape, with Phillip Tarrant and Robert Dougherty
Episode 2: CONTESTED GROUND: Is Australia slowly regulating away its own prosperity – and, with it, its national resilience?