As the RAAF transitions a number of successful platforms, I can’t help but think what the next generation of platforms will look like.

Importantly, 2016 was the year when Defence Industry was formally recognised as a Fundamental Input to Capability in the White Paper suite of documents.

ADM’s annual C4ISR edition is always a learning opportunity for the editorial team, given the highly technical nature of the space and the constant evolution of this technology.

I can’t help but recall the words of Tectonica’s David Levy and his presentation at D+I this year. “Nothing stimulates innovation like a purchase order,” he said to wide applause at the event.

It’s been a little over six months since the trifecta of the White Paper, Industry Policy Statement and Integrated Investment Plan were released. So what has changed?

ADM has been on the record now for 20 years about the importance of the Defence industry to the Australian economy. It is good to see this recognised, finally, at the highest levels of government.

It has surprised me how little coverage there has been of Defence issues on the election trail.

Like many, the famine to feast shipbuilding announcements that the government made in April caught me by surprise.

With competitive evaluation process (CEP) decisions on the OPVs, Future Frigate and Future Submarine all ostensibly due this year, there is much to do for all players in this space.

Chief of Army LTGEN Angus Campbell made an interesting point at the ADM Congress when he questioned the conversation around the acquisition of platforms for Army.

Asking the right question at the right time can allay those feelings, that niggle that all is not well.

It's that time again when we look at the year that was and the year ahead.

One of the more enjoyable roles of the ADM team is to visit the major defence conferences and expositions held around the country throughout the year.

Having had some time to digest the news of a continuous shipbuilding plan, I am inclined to ask – what has changed?

Sustainment, along with infrastructure and ICT, are the trio of Fundamental Inputs to Capability (FICs) that are the unsexy side of Defence.

As this edition of ADM goes to print, it remains to be seen what effect the First Principles Review (FPR) has had on Defence in a substantial way.