Momentum Media’s defence brand Defence Connect was out in full force at this year’s Avalon International Air Show in Melbourne, where the brand was well-recognised as Australia’s leading daily source of knowledge for the defence industry.
The Ghost Bat is an uncrewed autonomous aircraft from Boeing.
The Avalon International Air Show returned after a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and ran from 28 February to 5 March 2023.
There were over 48,500 attendees across the three full trade days (up 24 per cent from 2019), alongside 794 companies (up 14 per cent) and 234 official delegations (up 50 per cent).
Among the visitors were the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy, and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.
The Defence Connect team was also present, including editor of defence and security Liam Garman, and new starters Benjamin Foster and Robert Dougherty (who joined Momentum Media two months ago).
They had the opportunity to engage first hand with key decision makers from Australia and abroad.
“The Avalon Airshow gave us the chance to rub shoulders with our international counterparts, many of whom we haven’t had the chance to see for a few years,” Mr Garman said.
“Whether it was the Republic of Korea’s Black Eagles flight display team, or the US Air Force’s F-22 Raptor, the Airshow deepened our appreciation for the integral relationships between the Royal Australian Air Force and our international partners.”
Mr Foster (media strategist) and Mr Dougherty (senior journalist) interacted with key enablers in the defence industry.
They also saw first-hand the latest vehicles and gadgets that were put on display at the airshow, including the Apache and the Ghost Bat (Australia’s uncrewed autonomous aircraft).
“We pounded the pavement as soon as we got there. I was lucky enough to be introduced to a lot of players in the defence industry by Momentum Markets’ director Phil Tarrant and other colleagues in our team,” Mr Foster said.
“It allowed me to see the value that Defence Connect brings to members of the industry. I was proud to see how well-recognised our brand is. Many people told me that it’s an excellent brand and their daily source of knowledge.”
Mr Foster also said he gained a deeper understanding of the relationship between small-to-medium enterprises (SME) and prime contractors, and how SMEs attract their customers.
“I have a greater understanding of and appreciation for the scale and size of the defence industry, and the commitment by the government towards it,” he said.
Mr Dougherty said he formed robust relationships by interacting with major organisations and gained a deeper understanding of their goals, objectives, and future projects in their pipeline.
“One of the greatest benefits of attending the airshow was gaining the trust of industry players in-person. It cannot be compared to communicating over the phone or email,” he said.
Mr Dougherty, along with Defence Connect editor Liam Garman, hit the ground running, reporting on important developments in the Australian defence industry.
Indeed, Mr Dougherty reported that Mr Conroy lashed out at Mr Dutton for stating earlier this year that Australia should not buy British submarines, and instead pursue American Virginia Class nuclear submarines as the primary option.
Mr Conroy said the comments were incredibly irresponsible, “mischievous”, and undermined confidence in the program.
The rebuke followed an announcement by Mr Conroy and Boeing Company of an expanded industry footprint and opportunities for Australia’s defence industry as part of the Australian Industry Capability (AIC) Deed for the Apache Program with the Boeing Company.
This will see Boeing engage Australian companies to supply parts for the planned AH-64E Apache fleet and all new Apache attack helicopters, which will be equipped with advanced technologies, sensors, and equipment.
It was also announced that Defence will acquire 10 Ghost Bats for more than $600 million, supporting more than 55 Australian suppliers.
Alongside this, Mr Dougherty reported on various other developments, including how an Australian sensor system will play a critical role in the new STRIX Tactical Uncrewed Aerial System, and InVeris Training Solutions Australia’s new partnership with Defend X Group to provide locally manufactured military and law enforcement targets in Australia.
Mr Foster and Mr Dougherty concluded that they were grateful for the opportunity to represent Defence Connect at the airshow, and bond with their team at Defence Connect.
“It was an amazing experience and we thank Momentum Media for giving us this opportunity,” they said.
“We also loved getting to know our own colleagues at Defence Connect and collaborate very effectively as a team. We enjoy each other’s company.”