News wrap — Chapter closed: Subs program turns new page

Editor of Defence Connect, Liam Garman, and News Editor, Charbel Kadib, delve into the latest developments across defence industry and geopolitics. The pair begin by discussing the recent financial settlement between the Commonwealth government and French shipbuilder Naval Group following the scrapping of the former $90 billion contract to deliver 12 diesel-powered Attack Class submarines to the Royal Australian Navy. Garman and Kadib then unpack Liberal opposition leader and former defence minister Peter Dutton’s open support for the selection of the US-designed Virginia Class submarine under the AUKUS agreement. The pair go on to note senior leadership appointments in the Australian defence industry before touching on outcomes from Minister for Defence Richard Marles’ attendance of the Shangri-La Dialogue. Finally, the duo delve into the latest geopolitical developments, discussing recent acts of aggression from the Chinese military and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team