In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Betsy Clark, former Australian government Department of Defence program reviewer for the F-35, joins host Liam Garman to unpack the history and making of the F-35 Lightning II, and her book, F-35: The Inside Story of the Lightning II.
- The pair begin the podcast examining the origins of the F-35 program and how Australia found itself a partner.
- Clark then details some of the hurdles faced by the program managers in developing the aircraft and how they were able to overcome them.
- The pair wrap up the podcast unpacking how seizing and maintaining air superiority is fundamental in the modern battlespace.
Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team
Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:
Episode 517: PODCAST: Royal Australian Navy minehunters’ new purpose after service, with Frank van der Linde
Episode 516: CONTESTED GROUND: What’s in store for 2025?
Episode 515: PODCAST: Building a robust, fit for purpose ADF, with Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh MP
Episode 514: CONTESTED GROUND: What Trump’s Panama Canal comments mean for maritime law
Episode 513: SPOTLIGHT: How AIR 6500 will defend Australia’s shores, with Lockheed Martin Australia’s Liam Catterson
Episode 512: SPOTLIGHT: Engaging with Australia’s next-generation Defence STEM workforce, with DSTG’s Dr Carolyn Patteson and Dr Mike Wilson
Episode 511: CONTESTED GROUND: Picking up where we left off, 2025 shapes up to be a disruptive year
Episode 510: CONTESTED GROUND: Iran’s collapsing sphere of influence
Episode 509: DEFENCE PROPERTY PODCAST: Understanding the ever-changing landscape of regional property investment
Episode 508: PODCAST: A proud history of providing debate and connecting sailors, with Mark Schweikert, federal president, Navy League of Australia