PODCAST: Missile manufacturing, Collins LOTE upgrades and submarine base east

Joint-capabilities
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By: Robyn Tongol

Can Australia’s defence industrial base and military modernisation efforts keep pace with growing strategic pressures and capability demands?

Can Australia’s defence industrial base and military modernisation efforts keep pace with growing strategic pressures and capability demands?

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, journalist Bethany Alvaro and senior journalist Robert Dougherty discuss Kongsberg’s missile manufacturing facility in Newcastle and plans to produce Naval Strike Missiles and Joint Strike Missiles in Australia.

The discussion also explores the federal government’s launch of the Collins Class life of type extension program, designed to sustain Australia’s submarine capability during the transition towards the future AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine fleet.

 
 

Attention then turns to the delivery of additional AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to the Australian Army.

The podcast also examines reports identifying Port Kembla as the preferred east coast base for Australia’s future nuclear submarine fleet, as well as Operator XR securing its first European defence contract with the Swedish Armed Forces for virtual reality tactical training systems.

Rounding out the episode, the team analyses Russia’s recent Victory Day parade, including the reduced display of military hardware and the growing influence of drone warfare.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: CONTESTED GROUND: The information advantage – how AI is reshaping influence, competition and power
Episode 10: PODCAST: Next-generation equipment at Land Forces 2026, with Aquaterro’s Graeme Bulte
Episode 9: SPOTLIGHT: Defence electronics supply chains, counterfeit components and shortages
Episode 8: PODCAST: AUKUS, China and Australia’s defence industrial future, with former prime minister Scott Morrison
Episode 7: CONTESTED GROUND: When AI goes rogue – the emerging threat Australia isn’t ready for
Episode 6: PODCAST: Frontier AI, cyber warfare, and defending Australia’s military networks, with Wendi Whitmore and Tom Scully
Episode 5: PODCAST: Australia’s 2026 Intergenerational Report and national security implications, with Phillip Tarrant and Robert Dougherty
Episode 4: CONTESTED GROUND: AUKUS, deterrence, and the deepening Australia–UK strategic partnership
Episode 3: SPOTLIGHT: Unlocking Australia’s Defence estate through divestment, with Stantec Australia
Episode 2: CONTESTED GROUND: Is Australia ready to secure its place in an increasingly contested space domain?