Defence company boss ousted after tensions over big contracts

Andrew TillettForeign affairs, defence correspondent

Sep 4, 2024 – 6.25pm

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The boss of one of Australia’s biggest military contractors and builder of the future fleet of nuclear-powered submarines has been ousted after defence chiefs lost confidence in his ability to focus on major projects.

Ben Hudson’s departure as chief executive of BAE Systems Australia was announced on Wednesday, and he will replaced by the company’s local head of shipbuilding, Craig Lockhart.

Andrew Tillett writes on politics, foreign affairs, defence and security from the Canberra press gallery.