APDR (Asia-Pacific Defence Reporter)

Founded in 1974, APDR is Australia's oldest defence publication. It has consistently delivered up-to-date information and insights related to Australian and regional defence matters. APDR offers extensive coverage of the military landscape in the Asia-Pacific, detailing ongoing and upcoming acquisition programs, emerging military technologies, and strategies for warfare. This publication is an invaluable resource for defence professionals, the Australian and New Zealand Defence Industries, and their global partners.

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APDR Podcast Episode 97 with host Kym Bergmann

1 week ago | asiapacificdefencereporter.com | Kym Bergmann

We bring you a special edition podcast from the Greek island of Zakinthos to discuss the current US administration’s review of AUKUS. It’s rather ominously worded to see if it fits President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda. Why do we always need to find out about these things from the Americans? Why can’t our own Defence Minister Richard Marles ever come clean about things such as how much we are giving to the US, and why they want us to lift Defence expenditure to 3.5% of GDP?
APDR Podcast Episode 96 with host Kym Bergmann

2 weeks ago | asiapacificdefencereporter.com | Kym Bergmann

After the previous podcast many people might have been hoping for a description of the TKMS bid for SEA 3000. Sorry to disappoint but the rules imposed by Defence block that – and we have figured out who is to blame. It’s the probity lawyers – what a surprise. The media visit to Germany focussed entirely on the parent yard build of the first three ships – and there is no doubt that TKMS and partner companies will be able to do that without working up a sweat.
APDR Podcast Episode 95 with host Kym Bergmann

3 weeks ago | asiapacificdefencereporter.com | Kym Bergmann

Greetings from the northern German city of Hamburg and the beginning of a Thyssen Krupp Marine Systems media tour. They are one of two finalists for SEA 3000, the general purpose frigate project, but they are forbidden by Defence from discussing their proposal. This ridiculous level of secrecy seems to be in place purely to conceal Departmental incompetence and to cover up the growing possibility that no frigates will be built in Australia, ever.
APDR Podcast Episode 94 with host Kym Bergmann

1 month ago | asiapacificdefencereporter.com | Kym Bergmann

With Canberra starting to return to normal we have a bit more to discuss on the domestic front. Firstly a thank you to Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy, who agreed to an interview that will be published in full in June APDR. It was a wide ranging chat and we will continue to have different views on matters such as the Defence budget and also secrecy – but it’s good to be in dialogue.
APDR Podcast Episode 93 with host Kym Bergmann

1 month ago | asiapacificdefencereporter.com | Kym Bergmann

We start with a clarification from the previous episode that Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy has retained responsibility for capability delivery, even though those words have been removed from his title. And then a lot more about the unreliability of the US as an ally – a reality so obvious that everyone can see it, except for Australian politicians.
APDR Podcast Episode 92 with host Kym Bergmann

1 month ago | asiapacificdefencereporter.com | Kym Bergmann

We have a new Federal government ministry – and it’s very much like the old one. Richard Marles retains Defence and Pat Conroy Defence Industry, though with the ‘capability delivery” element seemingly removed. This was preceded by Richard Marles using his factional muscle to get rid of two highly competent Ministers in the form of Mark Dreyfus and Ed Husic.
APDR Podcast Episode 91 with host Kym Bergmann

1 month ago | asiapacificdefencereporter.com | Kym Bergmann

The election result is a surprisingly strong win for Labor, but it’s important to understand the basis for that. Yes, the Coalition ran a poor campaign and the ALP a good one – but the real reason for a reversal in poll numbers during the last 4 months is because of the Trump Effect, similar to what has occurred in Canada. It’s important not to lose sight of the big picture – Trump’s tariff war risks destroying the global economy and Australia will not be insulated from the consequences.
APDR Podcast Episode 90 with host Kym Bergmann

2 months ago | asiapacificdefencereporter.com | Kym Bergmann

This Federal election 2025 special podcast starts with the shocking news that the government is offering nothing new on the Defence and national security front – and the opposition isn’t much better. For Australians interested in topics other than the most dull, mundane, routine “news” they will have to go elsewhere than the election campaign and the woeful performance of much of the media.
FROM THE MAGAZINE: Combat management system integration on track

2 months ago | asiapacificdefencereporter.com | Kym Bergmann

Asked for a summary of the major elements for the program, Defence replied: “The first Hunter Class frigate is expected to be delivered in 2032 and operational in 2034. Ships 2 and 3 will follow on a 2-year cycle with expected operational dates in 2036 and 2038 respectively. “As part of the staged approval process for the project, Defence will return to the Australian Government later this decade to seek funding for ships 4-6. Construction has commenced on 29 of 78 blocks for the first ship.
APDR Podcast Episode 89 with host Kym Bergmann

2 months ago | asiapacificdefencereporter.com | Kym Bergmann |Saab Pacific

Economic turmoil continues in the US with almost daily shifts in the tariff war being conducted against everyone except Russia. The self-destructive economic behaviour of the Trump administration is likely to drive countries in our region much closer to China – something that will have major implications for Australian security. Not that you will hear a word about that from any of our head in the sand politicians.