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Avalon Update with BAE Systems and Leidos
Manage episode 482583895 series 3380339
In the next of our Avalon 2025 episodes, Grant McHerron talks initially with Matt Jones, Head of Future Business at BAE Systems, and then with Ed Kearny, Business Development Manager, Leidos.
Matt walks us around the BAE Systems stand which featured a large collection of products from their global operation and partners. We start with the MBDA's Meteor, an alternative to products from the USA which has opportunities for transferring technology to Australia, such as seekers and rocket motors. After discussing the need for low cost mass fires, we moved on Innovaero's OWL family of drones which can provide cost effective loitering munitions and counter UAS capabilities. This leads to a discussion of lessons from Ukraine, BAE Systems' work on Nulka, the passive RF sensor on the Joint Strike Missile, and the many SMEs doing leading edge EW in Australia. We wrap up the walk around with an update on Stryx and the Razer systems which were launched two years ago at the previous Avalon event, then discuss the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
Ed Kearny discusses Leidos' Counter UAS systems, starting with their AirShield which covers Group 1, 2 and 3 UAVs and consists of a specialist sensor and decision engine system which can operate with a range of effectors. The system uses Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to differentiate UAS from biologics, assess the situation and recommend to the operator the best effector for each identified threat. We also look at their Enduring Shield system, also called the Indirect Fire Protection Capability, that covers Group 4 & 5 UAS. We wrap up the discussion by covering their directed energy weapons, high-powered microwave systems, and the THOR system that uses broadband high powered microwaves to destroy electrical systems in its target area.
Links:
BAE Systems Australia:
https://www.baesystems.com/en-aus/home
Leidos at Avalon 2025:
https://www.leidos.com/company/global/australia/avalon-2025
------------------
The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).
The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.
If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via [email protected] to get involved.
ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence.
For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan.
Hosted by Grant McHerron
Producer: Steve Visscher
Australian Defence Magazine - © 2025
103 episodes
Manage episode 482583895 series 3380339
In the next of our Avalon 2025 episodes, Grant McHerron talks initially with Matt Jones, Head of Future Business at BAE Systems, and then with Ed Kearny, Business Development Manager, Leidos.
Matt walks us around the BAE Systems stand which featured a large collection of products from their global operation and partners. We start with the MBDA's Meteor, an alternative to products from the USA which has opportunities for transferring technology to Australia, such as seekers and rocket motors. After discussing the need for low cost mass fires, we moved on Innovaero's OWL family of drones which can provide cost effective loitering munitions and counter UAS capabilities. This leads to a discussion of lessons from Ukraine, BAE Systems' work on Nulka, the passive RF sensor on the Joint Strike Missile, and the many SMEs doing leading edge EW in Australia. We wrap up the walk around with an update on Stryx and the Razer systems which were launched two years ago at the previous Avalon event, then discuss the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
Ed Kearny discusses Leidos' Counter UAS systems, starting with their AirShield which covers Group 1, 2 and 3 UAVs and consists of a specialist sensor and decision engine system which can operate with a range of effectors. The system uses Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to differentiate UAS from biologics, assess the situation and recommend to the operator the best effector for each identified threat. We also look at their Enduring Shield system, also called the Indirect Fire Protection Capability, that covers Group 4 & 5 UAS. We wrap up the discussion by covering their directed energy weapons, high-powered microwave systems, and the THOR system that uses broadband high powered microwaves to destroy electrical systems in its target area.
Links:
BAE Systems Australia:
https://www.baesystems.com/en-aus/home
Leidos at Avalon 2025:
https://www.leidos.com/company/global/australia/avalon-2025
------------------
The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).
The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.
If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via [email protected] to get involved.
ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence.
For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan.
Hosted by Grant McHerron
Producer: Steve Visscher
Australian Defence Magazine - © 2025
103 episodes
All episodes
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