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In this edition of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Lieutenant Colonel Meng Wang of Aviation Command, who led the capability management team of the multi-billion-dollar project to transform the Army Aviation capability.
The pair begin the discussion focusing on the Army’s need for a seamless and high-speed acquisition of UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to replace the troubled fleet of MRH-90 Taipan helicopters.
They also discuss:
- The Army’s emphasis on building and operating a fleet of reliable, interoperable airlift helicopters that will enjoy continued support, maintenance, and upgrade pathways out to the middle of the century and potentially beyond.
- Navigating the US defence bureaucracy and the foreign military sales ecosystem to provide a capability that delivers a value for money proposition and true capability outcomes for the Australian Defence Force.
- LTCOL Wang’s career in the Army, beginning as an aviation engineer responsible for supporting the operation of the Army’s Chinook fleet, and the consolidation and commonality of Army’s aviation platforms around the country to deliver enhanced capability.
Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team
Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:
Episode 520: CONTESTED GROUND: What’s in store for 2025? Part 2
Episode 519: PODCAST: Boosting women’s involvement in defence industry, with Rachel Falzon, Women in Defence Association
Episode 518: SPOTLIGHT: Delivering a sovereign small arms and load carriage capability, with Aquaterro’s Graeme Bulte
Episode 517: PODCAST: Royal Australian Navy minehunters’ new purpose after service, with Frank van der Linde
Episode 516: CONTESTED GROUND: What’s in store for 2025?
Episode 515: PODCAST: Building a robust, fit for purpose ADF, with Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh MP
Episode 514: CONTESTED GROUND: What Trump’s Panama Canal comments mean for maritime law
Episode 513: SPOTLIGHT: How AIR 6500 will defend Australia’s shores, with Lockheed Martin Australia’s Liam Catterson
Episode 512: SPOTLIGHT: Engaging with Australia’s next-generation Defence STEM workforce, with DSTG’s Dr Carolyn Patteson and Dr Mike Wilson
Episode 511: CONTESTED GROUND: Picking up where we left off, 2025 shapes up to be a disruptive year
