Episode 738: Kiwi retirements, military rumours and preparations for Avalon 2023

The boys were a bit cheeky this week as they were able to re-use a big chunk of the content they recorded last week, even though Qantas hasn't had any turn backs this week. Go figure!CEA Technologies will be upgrading the fixed and portable training emitters at the ADFs test ranges while the RAAF's EA-18G Growlers will be updated in alignment with the US Navy's aircraft development projects.The Kiwi's are retiring the first of their C-130Hs that was due to undergo heavy maintenance one year out from their first C-130J arriving, so it was deemed more economical to retire the airframe. Meanwhile, the retirement of the P-3K2 fleet has left a six month capability gap for their maritime patrol which the Kiwi's are hoping to fill with assistance from the RAAF and the USA.Keeping with Defence, the Australian government's Defence Strategic Review has been delivered to the Prime Minister but not yet made public, so the leaks have started to flow with rumours of more Tritons and F-35As being ordered.Meanwhile, the Australian government are launching an aviation white paper process which is further delaying the urgently required efforts that the sector desperately needs. They could easily implement a few recommendations from the past three or four reviews and inquiries that obviously are required, all in parallel to the white paper. Sadly, it's not likely to happen :(