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 the current military operations over Iran and the Middle East, which Ewen notes can be traced from the 2020 assassination of Iran's General Qasem Soleimani through Hamas' attack on October 7th, 2023, and the collapses since then. We then talk about ADM Congress and the Women in Defence and National Security breakfast session held on the same day, before reviewing the government's Co-Investment Fund that was announced at Congress. The fund is a recognition that government can't fund all of Defence, of the need for certainty to help industry, and that many private investments are in dual use infrastructure.
We move onto the topic of Hypersonix' Dart AE completing its first flight, during which it achieved speeds greater than Mach 5 following a boost from Rocket Lab's Haste launch vehicle operating from NASA's Wallops Island range. Following this, we wrap by noting that Army & Navy are celebrating 125 years in 2026 and that Navy's celebrations include a Fleet Review in Sydney harbour on March 21st.
We start with the current military operations over Iran and the Middle East, which Ewen notes can be traced from the 2020 assassination of Iran's General Qasem Soleimani through Hamas' attack on October 7th, 2023, and the collapses since then. We then talk about ADM Congress and the Women in Defence and National Security breakfast session held on the same day, before reviewing the government's Co-Investment Fund that was announced at Congress. The fund is a recognition that government can't fund all of Defence, of the need for certainty to help industry, and that many private investments are in dual use infrastructure.
We move onto the topic of Hypersonix' Dart AE completing its first flight, during which it achieved speeds greater than Mach 5 following a boost from Rocket Lab's Haste launch vehicle operating from NASA's Wallops Island range. Following this, we wrap by noting that Army & Navy are celebrating 125 years in 2026 and that Navy's celebrations include a Fleet Review in Sydney harbour on March 21st.
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Links:
Hypersonix Dart AE blasts off
www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/hypersonix-dart-ae-blasts-off
Australian Navy and Army commemorate 125 years of service
www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/australian-navy-and-army-commemorate-125-years-of-service
Exercise Kakadu Fleet Review
www.navy.gov.au/community-engagement/events/2026-03-21/exercise-kakadu-fleet-review
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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).
The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.
If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via defmag@yaffa.com.au to get involved.
Links:
Hypersonix Dart AE blasts off
www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/hypersonix-dart-ae-blasts-off
Australian Navy and Army commemorate 125 years of service
www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/australian-navy-and-army-commemorate-125-years-of-service
Exercise Kakadu Fleet Review
www.navy.gov.au/community-engagement/events/2026-03-21/exercise-kakadu-fleet-review
------------------
The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).
The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.
If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via defmag@yaffa.com.au to get involved.
ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence.
For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan.
Hosted by Grant McHerron
Producer: Steve Visscher
Australian Defence Magazine - © 2026