PODCAST: Replacing Australia’s ARH Tigers and AH-1Z Viper’s expeditionary capabilities – Javier ‘NERF’ Ball and Rowan Tink

PODCAST: Replacing Australia’s ARH Tigers and AH-1Z Viper’s expeditionary capabilities – Javier ‘NERF’ Ball and Rowan Tink

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Bell Flight’s international military campaign manager, Javier “NERF” Ball, and LAND 4503 Capture Team Lead Rowan Tink join host Phil Tarrant to discuss the LAND 4503 – Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter Replacement program.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Bell Flight’s international military campaign manager, Javier “NERF” Ball, and LAND 4503 Capture Team Lead Rowan Tink join host Phil Tarrant to discuss the LAND 4503 – Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter Replacement program.



Javier and Rowan break down the expeditionary-focused and ruggedised nature of the AH-1Z Viper platform, building on decades of platform and operational evolution with the US Marines to culminate delivery of a next-generation platform for the ADF.

Javier and Rowan will also discuss the process behind the scenes to flesh out their proposal to the Australian government as part of the LAND 4503 – Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter Replacement program.

Finally, Javier and Rowan will expand on the industry opportunities for Australian companies should the AH-1Z Viper be selected as a result of the growing number of aircraft being operated in the Indo-Pacific, building on the maintenance and sustainment program of record presented by the F-35.

Enjoy the podcast,

The Defence Connect team

Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 522: PODCAST: Threats, theatre and tariffs in Trump’s world, with the Defence Connect team
Episode 521: CONTESTED GROUND: Regaining the qualitative advantage
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

You need to be a member to post comments. Become a member for free today!