Before we resume discussing the US media tour, we see that Collins class submarine sustainment has been put on the government’s Projects of Concern list. ASC, the company responsible, is legally owned by the Minister for Finance, so it’s one Minister putting another on notice. When you add the review into the Australian Submarine Agency to the mix it seems there are problems with the entire submarine enterprise – but a mere two months ago the Chief of Navy criticised the media for being too negative.
Next, vertical launch missile systems and the Lockheed Martin Mk 70 that holds Harpoon and SM-6 could easily go on the Arafura OPVs – an idea so good it will be totally ignored by the RAN.
Finally, we visited Sikorsky in Stratford, the Lockheed Martin company building the UH-60M Black Hawk, currently being delivered to Australia. This is an excellent, reliable helicopter that will be easier for the Australian Army to maintain – especially with the money that they are throwing at it. Does it justify the decision to destroy the Taipan helicopter fleet? Of course not.
To listen to the podcast, click here.
For Editorial Inquiries Contact:
Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected]
For Advertising Inquiries Contact:
Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]
Hi Kym, in comments section of Podcast 74, 6/12/2024, your response re delay of Lockheed Martin’s (LM) final delivery of RAAF F-35s (after LM’s official declaration at Avalon ’23, that final delivery would occur by end of 2023) was…
“the delay has been caused by the USAF and the testing schedule for the Block 4 upgrade configuration. I’ll have a bit more to say about this in the near future.”
As I have never seen/read/heard that reason given at any Congressional or Defence Industry interview, publication, vlog, podcast, review of the extensive delay – traffic jam caused by LM’s Technology Refresh 3 upgrade, from any source across globe, and as next week’s podcast from Japan is the last for 2024, when can we expect more detail from what appears to be an exclusive insight re this issue ?
Hi Mike – I’m fairly sure this has been reported fairly widely. Some further detail is that TR3 is based on the installation of new computers – to be precise 3 of them – that have a huge amount of horsewpower. They are produced by L3Harris. Their delivery was late – but the main reason for the delay was the USAF flight test regime. Were some customers getting cranky about not receiving their aircraft on schedule? You bet they were.
Kym, could you please identify other reports of Lockheed Martin (LM) specifically blaming the global delay of F-35 deliveries on USAF flight testing, as I’ve NEVER seen one. Furthermore has LM revealed how the USAF could of expedited flight testing of the TR3 upgrade while the upgrade was delayed ?
I’m not sure that Lockheed Martin has ever blamed anyone for the delay. The USAF is their lead customer and their comments have always been very circumspect. I’m describing the reality of the situation. Because of the unexpected delays in the flight test program, about 100 F-35s had to be stored in various locations for about one year until given the all-clear from the Joint Program Office (JPO) to resume deliveries (including Australia) with TR3 hardware and software installed.
I am looking forward to more information on the Mogami class bid. I just hope that, as you put it in your last Podcast, the Australian Government and Defence establishment manage expectations appropriately. It will go done very badly indeed in Japan if they miss out this time, especially if they have such a high level of Government and industrial input into the bid as you outlined here.
My views is, TKMS for a ship we are familiar with and can use our own equipment on easily OR the Mogami class to strengthen our ties to an vital regional ally. Frankly I think we need Japan onside more so than Germany, despite valid concerns regarding interoperability with out current fleet and systems. A difficult choice fraight with issues for both sides and our Defence effectiveness.
The disgusting Taipan fiasco continues. For the Army to throw money at Sikorsky to essentially cover their butts and prevent embarrassment is just more of a bad thing.
Finally, thank you for your excellent Podcast series and have a Merry Christmas and a well earned break.
Thanks Kevin – one more podcast to come, in which I’ll have a lot to say about the Mogami. The JMSDF has come up with an excellent design – but operating it requires a change of mind set when it comes to crewing arrangements – and I’m not sure the RAN is progressive enough. Hold onto that thought.
Excellent Podcast but depressing non ending the less. The R.A.N.( with it’s present Command Structure) Is never going to accept that the Arafura could have been a formidable small warship. It’s a Patrol Boat, Patrol Boats can not be warships, doesn’t matter that nearly every other navy thinks differently and common sense dictates otherwise, the Admirals know better. As for the Taipan V Blackhawk argument, Army was going to get its Blackhawks no matter what . So now it has them it has to make them work or else hope the next Minister For Defence can think of someone else to blame. Looking forward to your next Podcast about the Mogami, as personally I believe the decision has already been made in Japan’s favour (Politics over What’s best suited) even though I think the Meko 200 is the far better choice. The ineptitude of the DoD and the ADF Hierarchy seems to have no bounds. Keep up the good work Kim and Merry Xmas to you and the Staff at APDR.
Thanks Michael – I suspect you are correct about Japan being the frontrunner for SEA 3000.