Episode
Hormuz remains closed & the Collins LOTE's scope changes again
- Published
- May 24, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1312
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://www.australiandefence.com.au/podcasts
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Summary
In this News Review episode, Grant McHerron, Ewen Levick and Kirra Davey review and discuss some of the news of interest that's occurred recently in the world of Defence. We start by welcoming back Ewen and noting that in the eight weeks or so that he's been away the Strait of Hormuz remains closed with the US Navy unable to re-open it. We look at what this means for military engagements going forward, and the issues associated with keeping the very important sea lanes open in the straits to our North. The Middle East situation and the recent Venezuelan raid demonstrate that the US military is tactically incredible and practically unbeatable, but it doesn't seem to have the political force required to win the war overall. We finish the Hormuz review by observing that many apabilities that were previously being demonstrated and tested are now combat proven. Next up, Kirra attended the recent Axon Tech Summit in Sydney which focused on the use of rones and counter-UAS systems for public safety, while Grant attended the opening of Corvus Technology Solutions' new factory in Melbourne, catching up with Minister Collin Brooks who has now taken on the role of Victoria's first Defence Industry Minister. So far it seems that WA, SA & VIC are the states with ministerial portfolios for Defence. Sentinel Boats have sold their 830R-SPOL to the ADF's Special Operations Forces, which is great to see them achieve a military sale in Australia in addition to their contact with the NZDF. Kirra recounts her experience with the 830R during a demo on Sydney Harbour prior to IndoPac 2026. We wrap the episode by looking at the Collins Class submarine Life Of Type Extension program's scope changing yet again, with $11 billion allocated towards keeping the boats operational into the 2040s.…