The Grumpy Strategists

Dive into the aftermath of Biden’s presidency and what Trump 2.0 means for America. Discover the intriguing connections between tech titans and political ideologies shaping the U.S. landscape. The discussion turns to Australia's defense strategies and their alarming lack of clarity, with a humorous take on the slow pace of naval shipbuilding. Revel in critiques of defense transparency and the discrepancies between government rhetoric and reality. It's a wild ride through global politics with sharp insights and plenty of laughs.

The discussion reveals a stark contrast between the ambitious announcements for Defense projects and the disappointing findings in the Annual Report. There’s a critical look at the systemic underachievement in military spending and how it impacts Australia’s defense strategy. Meanwhile, impressive advancements by the Houthis in missile technology are highlighted. The challenges of local versus foreign shipbuilding materials and the urgent need for transparency in defense budgets are also examined, adding layers to the complex defense landscape.

The Grumpy Strategists answer the call from Australia's Embassy in Washington. They search for meaning in Defence's new religious texts - the Strategic Review and Defence Strategy - amongst the snowstorm of other reviews, strategies & plans. The new Workforce Plan gets a makeover - it's now beige. A Senate Estimates satellite highlight gets airtime, while the Chief of Navy and Deputy Prime Minister Marles show their mettle.

A fire at a UK submarine facility raises alarms about production delays and safety concerns. Meanwhile, Australia's guided weapons plan emphasizes 'Deterrence by Documentation,' showcasing a hefty reliance on paperwork. The hosts delve into the complexities of submarine production and the critique of Australia’s military procurement strategies, highlighting delays due to foreign dependencies. They also touch on the slow rollout of Blackhawk helicopters, fueling discussions about the future of military capabilities and domestic production.

Dive into a mix of defense debate and humor as the hosts tackle the $20 billion shipbuilding precinct and a mysterious Offshore Patrol Vessel issue. The term 'enshittification' becomes a quirky focal point, shedding light on digital platform decline and its implications. Explore the challenging landscape of Australian naval spending, the perplexing inconsistencies in budget commitments, and the thoughtful examination of military support to Ukraine. Expect witty banter alongside serious reflections on accountability and organizational behavior in defense.

Dive into the world of Australian defense as the hosts unravel the complexities of acceleration in military strategies. They critique the rising costs of submarines and the delays plaguing helicopter operations, all while navigating geopolitical tensions. Insights from a recent defense trade show blend with tales from the frontline in Ukraine, revealing lessons on adaptability. The conversation explores troubling incidents like the MRH-90 Taipan crash, raising questions about safety and maintenance failures in modern defense.

On the Grumpy Strategists' 1st birthday, Marcus and Michael assess the Army's new plan to get wet & find that the Army's focus is on its exquisite small force, with no plans for expansion during a war and with its new maritime strike mission yet to shift thinking from the traditional land battle role. And the Australian Sub Agency's new Corporate Plan is disturbingly full of circular logic but content free. That's bad for growing trust in the Agency to deliver, particularly when contrasted with the practical detail available on UK sub issues.

Marcus and Michael dive into Australia's missile advancements, tackling the balance between foreign purchases and domestic manufacturing. They analyze recent conflicts to assess missile cost-effectiveness and highlight a new defense production initiative. The duo discusses the innovative rise of unmanned submarines and critiques traditional procurement methods, stressing the role of billionaires in shaping defense. Lastly, they examine the challenges of the Hunter class frigate program, questioning the risks of prioritizing schedules over critical design integrity.

SAA's Marcus Hellyer and Michael Shoebridge cover the Australian Army's tank gap, the Navy's celebration of missile test firings, and the fact free Frankenstein imagery on AUKUS subs out of Navy officials lately. The episode ends with animal-based analysis of the US elections and what the Trump-Vance or Harris-Walz options might mean for Australia.

Episode 1 of the Great Debates -on topics in Australia that need discussion but are reduced to shouting matches from inside closed bubbles. Green shirted Marcus is Mr Renewables and black suited Michael is the pro-nuclear Darth Vader of the episode. Listen to hear if a civil chat about radioactive waste, windfarms and Australia's energy mix is possible.