# Bushmaster PMV funding, long-range strike expansion and cyber defence

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/defence-security-podcast-network-607233/bushmaster-pmv-funding-long-range-strike-expansion-and-cyber-defence
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/defence-security-podcast-network-607233/bushmaster-pmv-funding-long-range-strike-expansion-and-cyber-defence.md
Podcast: [Defence & Security Podcast Network](https://stenobird.com/podcast/defence-security-podcast-network-607233)
Published: 2026-05-01T06:35:26+00:00
Episode link: https://defenceconnect.libsyn.com/bushmaster-pmv-funding-long-range-strike-expansion-and-cyber-defence
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/defenceconnect/DC_Steve_Bethany__Robert_260429_mixdown.mp3?dest-id=715252
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/defence-security-podcast-network-607233/episodes/bushmaster-pmv-funding-long-range-strike-expansion-and-cyber-defence
Duration seconds: 1215

## Resource

Questions remain around sovereign manufacturing. Can Australia continue scaling its land and cyber capabilities while balancing industrial capacity and long-term strategic priorities? In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Stephen Kuper, Robert Dougherty and Bethany Alvaro discuss a significant week across Australia's defence landscape, in particular the $750 million investment to expand the Bushmaster protected mobility vehicle fleet (PMV). The discussion explores the platform's operational performance, lessons learnt from deployment in Ukraine, and emerging considerations around counter-drone technologies, including the potential integration of directed-energy systems. The team also assesses news about the broader land capability developments, including a $2.3 billion push to enhance the Army's long-range strike capacity through systems such as the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System. Attention then turns to domestic industrial capacity, with a closer look at Australia's ability to manufacture key components locally, such as vehicle engines. On leadership, the team discusses the appointment of a new defence secretary, marking a historic milestone and signalling a potential shift towards stronger alignment between defence strategy and domestic industry policy. Rounding out the episode, the panel dives into emerging cyber defence priorities, including proposals for a national cyber reserve force. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

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## Transcript

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