PODCAST: Black Hawk modernisation, domestic sustainment and workforce development, with Lockheed Martin’s Rodahn Gibbon and Bobby Adkins

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By: Robert Dougherty

How is Lockheed Martin supporting Australia’s Black Hawk fleet, strengthening sovereign sustainment and preparing the platform for future modernisation?

How is Lockheed Martin supporting Australia’s Black Hawk fleet, strengthening sovereign sustainment and preparing the platform for future modernisation?

Speaking with Defence Connect news editor Robert Dougherty at Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition 2026, Lockheed Martin Australia UH-60M sustainment program manager Rodahn Gibbon and Lockheed Martin US UH-60 Black Hawk Strategy senior manager Bobby J Adkins II discuss the program’s priorities, including supply chain development, workforce investment and long-term capability growth.

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The conversation explores the development of Australia’s sovereign maintenance network, opportunities for local small and medium-sized enterprises, and apprenticeship and traineeship programs to build a sustainable workforce.

Gibbon and Adkins also discuss Black Hawk modernisation, including engine and cockpit upgrades, launched effects and the unmanned U-Hawk configuration, alongside opportunities to position Australia as a regional sustainment hub.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

Robert Dougherty

Robert Dougherty

Author

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.
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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

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