Episode 127
Episode 127  
Podcast: Asia Pacific Defence Reporter
Published On: Mon Feb 09 2026
Description: Before we get to the Singapore air show, some more words about US isolationism and a country that seems to be fracturing. Something that Australian politicians seem to be sadly unaware of. There was pushback against the latest report from the US Congressional Research Service - a very authoritative group - that once again raised the possibility of Australia not receiving any Virginia class submarines. This was in the form of a heated response from Defence Minister Marles, that everything is perfect - but where is the evidence for that? The project will receive an injection of an additional $600 million this year, meaning that the path to reaching 2.3% of GDP will be even slower than previously believed. From the air show, some good news about the growth path for Apache helicopters and also a reminder that NH90 helicopters - the parent design of the scrapped Taipan fleet- remain in great demand. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.