In this News Review episode, Grant McHerron and Kirra Davey review and discuss some of the news of interest that's occurred recently in the world of Defence.
We start with traffic still not clearing the Hormuz Strait and the implications it has for farmers, fuel reserves and Defence capability. Fortunately the NDS & IIP are calling out improvements to our on-shore fuel storage.
Next up we congratulate SYPAQ Sustems' Corvo X small UAS entering into service, including on-going innovation and updates being included in the sustainment agreement. From there we look at the Land 8113 Phase 2 announcement for land based maritime strike going to Lockheed Martin with HiMARS and PrSM Increment 2, despite that missile not being in production as yet. We note that we already have HiMARS with GMLRS and have an agreement with the USA to assist with PrSM development and local production. That said, the question must be asked about why Kongsberg's StrikeMaster wasn't selected given Bushmasters are already produced in Australia and the NSM will be in production here from early 2027.
We wrap by looking at the recent announcement of the government signing an agreement with Northrup Grumman towards establishing a sovereign Solid Rocket Motor production facility in Australia. It's targeting the early 2030s for production but is starting with exploration, discussions and clarification of potential requirements and processes. The announcement noted this would build on DSTG's Australian designed and built DRACO SRM which was static fired at Woomera in Feb, bringing NG's 70+ years of SRM experience while also including collaboration with Australian companies DefendTex, Black Sky Industries and Anduril Australia to “explore their novel manufacturing methods.”
">
Links:
SYPAQ Systems Corvo X enters into service
https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/sypaq-systems-corvo-x-enters-into-service
Land 8113 Phase 2 goes to Lockheed Martin and PrSM
https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/lockheed-martin-welcomes-land-8113
https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/lockheed-martin-wins-land-8113
Government signs agreement with Northrop Grumman towards establishing sovereign Solid Rocket Motor production
https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/northrop-grumman-to-help-srm-manufacturing
https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/australia-to-establish-solid-rocket-motor-production
------------------
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