The Plan for the ADF In 2026

In this episode, we break down what 2026 really means for the Australian Defence Force — not the headlines, not the hype, but the hard realities of delivery, integration, training and logistics. From the 125th anniversary of the Australian Army to the continued rollout of long-range strike, new armoured vehicles and amphibious capability… from the evolving surface fleet and submarine preparations inside the Royal Australian Navy to a fully networked, fifth-generation force inside the Royal Australian Air Force — we examine how promised capabilities are turning into operational reality. We look at HIMARS deliveries, Abrams and Redback production, the Mogami program, Ghost Shark and Ghost Bat testing, Wedgetail and Triton integration, and the rapid expansion of Australia’s sovereign munitions manufacturing — from missiles to 155mm shells. 2026 isn’t a flashy year. It’s a transition year. A year where strategy meets logistics. Where exercises sharpen. Where industry becomes just as important as platforms. This is the year the foundations of Australia’s future force start to solidify. I’m Mel Pikos — and today, we’re Talking Tactics. 00:00 What to Expect in 2026 1:01 The Australian Army 4:41 The Royal Australian Navy 06:36 The Royal Australian Air Force 08:30 Munitions Manufacturing 09:42 Looking to the Future --- Like the 3D printed models in the background? They were provided by Spack.au and Talking Tactics viewers can get 5% off the Camouflage Models range by using the following link: https://shorturl.at/R0Rl4 Discount will be applied at checkout after using this link and placing an order. --- Talking Tactics delivers an informed and progressive look into new world Business, Finance, Politics, Infrastructure, Defence, Technology and Current Events. Talking Tactics is presented by Mel Pikos, Managing Director of TACTIC. TACTIC is an end to end solution for all your commercial office space needs including Workplace Strategy | Leasing Advisory | Workplace Design | Furniture Advisory | Fitout Construction. To increase the productivity of your office whilst strategically minimising costs, visit www.tactic.au or send an email to [email protected] Connect with us on our socials: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/talkingtacticswithm... Talking Tactics with Mel Pikos on Facebook Tactic Spaces on Facebook @mel_pikos on Twitter @melppikos on Instagram @melpikos on TikTok