In this News Review episode, Grant McHerron, Ewen Levick, Nigel Pittaway and Kirra Davey review and discuss some of the news of interest that's occurred recently in the world of Defence.

We start with a review of the International Astronomical Congress that Kirra attended during the week, including Australia signing agreements with the USA and seeking to get more engagement with the European Space Agency. It was noted that if Australia is in Eurovision, perhaps being in the ESA isn't such a stretch, especially given the launch sites Australia has to offer for both equatorial and polar orbits.

We then move on to notification that Australia has requested approval from the USA to potentially purcase another 48 HIMARS vehicles in addition to those we have already order. This is likely to ensure that, if Lockheed Martin and HIMARS are selected for Land 8113 Phase 2 (Land Based Maritime Strike) there won't be any concerns from the USA. The other contender for Phase 2 is Thales Australia with Kongsberg Defence Australia with their StrikeMaster offering (a Bushmaster with Naval Strike Missile launchers). We also discuss how the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) offers improved targeting in GPS denied and contested areas once Increment 2 becomes available, plus how HIMARS plus PrSM could help provide Australia with control over shipping in the straits to our North.

Next up is a discussion of the pending AUKUS Review from the USA along with the many sources saying that the Virginia submarines for Australia could be delayed (or even cancelled), how more money may be requested from Australia, or that maybe SSN AUKUS gets an accelerated timeline. We also note that AUKUS is currently more favoured towards the US & UK given the US$3bn we're sending each of them, plus the infrastructure development we're establishing to support Submarine Rotational Force - West. Will our US$3bn payments count towards the 3.5% of GDP target?

We wrap by noting that the Women in Defence Awards night is approaching and that submissions for the 30 Under 30 awards have closed. There's lots going on and plenty to keep us busy with bringing you the important news in Defence and industry.

Links:

Australia and US sign aeronautical agreement

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/australia-and-us-sign-aeronautical-agreement

Astroscale seeks Australian foothold

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/astroscale-seeks-australian-foothold

Australian space institute launches at IAC 2025

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/australian-space-institute-launches-at-iac-2025

Australia buys M142 HIMARS (GWEO starting to walk faster?)

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/australia-buys-m142-himars

ADM Women in Defence Awards

admwomenindefenceawards.com.au

ADM 30 Under 30 Awards

adm30u30awards.com.au

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The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).

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Hosted by Grant McHerron

Editor: Chris Visscher

Producer: Steve Visscher

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