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PODCAST: News Brief — Defence breathes new life into Collins Class fleet

Joint-capabilities
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By: Robyn Tongol
PODCAST: News Brief — Defence breathes new life into Collins Class fleet

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, news editor Charbel Kadib joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss the latest defence and geopolitical developments.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, news editor Charbel Kadib joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss the latest defence and geopolitical developments.

  

Tarrant and Kadib begin by discussing the historic flight of the Royal Australian Air Force’s F-35A aircraft, which took to the skies with a full arsenal for the first time.

The pair then discuss the government’s recent data sovereignty push in the face of growing cyber security threats, with a new framework set up to ensure government data is stored onshore.

Tarrant and Kadib also reference the latest cross-domain military exercises undertaken in the lead up to Exercise Talisman Sabre, including Exercise Sea Explorer, which involved the first ever deployment of Abrams tanks in amphibious operations.

Last but certainly not least, the pair comment on the Commonwealth government’s recent decision to invest approximately $6 billion in life-of-type-extensions (LOTE) for all six Collins Class submarines.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: PODCAST: Aerospace engineering, UAVs and Australia’s next generation of defence talent, with RMIT University’s Marcus Serong
Episode 10: PODCAST: Counter-drone systems, manufacturing and Australia’s defence industry priorities, with Northrop Grumman Australia’s Robert Denney
Episode 9: SPOTLIGHT: Australia’s loitering munitions, sovereign manufacturing and the future of drone warfare, with Innovaero’s Gregory Tunny
Episode 8: PODCAST: Contested logistics and Australia’s defence industry priorities at Land Forces 2026, with Amentum Australia’s Kim Katheklakis
Episode 7: PODCAST: Containerised solutions and human-in-the-loop systems at Land Forces 2026, with IAI’s Maxim Zemer
Episode 6: SPOTLIGHT: Lockheed Martin Australia’s priorities, leadership and life after service, with Jeremy King
Episode 5: THE PROGRESS REPORT: Leadership, mentorship and life at sea – Commander Melanie Lennard on 17 years in the Royal Australian Navy
Episode 4: PODCAST: Australia’s munitions manufacturing push at Land Forces 2026, with NIOA Group’s Robert Nioa
Episode 3: PODCAST: EOS showcases new interceptor and layered drone defence at Land Forces 2026, with Lee Kormany
Episode 2: CONTESTED GROUND: The information advantage – how AI is reshaping influence, competition and power