Defence & Security Podcast Network

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• AI profitability, hacker targets Aussie orgs, and Cyber Daily gets given Shirt of Invisibility… 08.06.2026 46мин

  This week's essential cyber security podcast uncovers a new threat actor targeting a raft of Australian organisations and asks the important question: Is AI profitable yet? Hint – it is not. Cyber Daily's David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft open the podcast with the good news that Anthropic's Mythos platform is, in fact, coming to Australia, and they talk to the man behind the website that asks – and illustrates – the question of our time: who is actually making money from AI? It's also been a shocker of a week for data breaches in Australia, and it looks like one threat actor is behind most of the activity. Organisations such as the ACMI, the Melbourne International Film Festival, and a corporate catering service have all been allegedly hacked. Find out what's happening in cyber crime in Australia, right here. Just another week in cyber security. Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team
• Defence policy, domestic manufacturing and military culture, with Senator Malcolm Roberts 04.06.2026 33мин

  What are One Nation's aspirations and policies for domestic manufacturing, infrastructure and military capability? In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Senator Malcolm Roberts, who is representing Pauline Hanson's One Nation political party. Senator Roberts holds a bachelor of engineering (honours) from the University of Queensland and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business. He previously worked as a mining engineer and general manager in the coal industry before entering federal politics. The podcast conversation includes the following topics: One Nation's defence policy framework and its focus on national self-sufficiency, logistics and manufacturing capability. The importance of sovereign capability in food production, energy security and defence industry resilience. Defence infrastructure proposals, including northern rail logistics corridors and domestic steel production. The role of accountability, military culture and leadership within the Australian Defence Force. Debate surrounding diversity initiatives, recruitment challenges and "warrior culture" in defence. Australia's defence procurement strategy, including perspectives on AUKUS, submarine acquisition and foreign defence partnerships. The balance between supporting domestic defence manufacturing while ensuring access to proven military capability. Concerns regarding governance, bureaucracy and decision making within defence procurement and public administration. Finally, the discussion wraps up looking at the future of Australian defence preparedness, including the intersection of infrastructure, manufacturing and national sovereignty. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
• SPOTLIGHT: LAND 156, counter-drone warfare and electronic warfare capability, with Department 13's Ben Westgarth 02.06.2026 36мин

  How can Australia keep pace with the rapid proliferation of drones reshaping the character of warfare and creating new challenges for militaries, governments and critical infrastructure operators around the world? In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Ben Westgarth, chief executive officer of Department 13, to discuss the evolution of counter-uncrewed aerial system technology and Australia's role in developing sovereign capability. Dougherty and Westgarth examine the significance of Project LAND 156, the Australian Defence Force's program to establish a layered counter-drone capability capable of detecting, tracking and defeating emerging aerial threats. The pair explore the role of radio frequency detection technologies in modern electronic warfare, highlighting how Department 13's capabilities contribute to situational awareness and threat detection across increasingly complex operating environments. They discuss the changing nature of drone warfare, drawing lessons from contemporary conflicts where low-cost, rapidly adaptable drone systems are challenging traditional military capabilities. Westgarth outlines how focusing on the fundamental characteristics of drone systems, rather than individual models, can provide a more enduring framework for counter-drone development. Looking beyond defence applications, the pair discuss the importance of dual-use technologies, balancing commercial opportunities with national security requirements. Westgarth highlights the growing need for layered detection, warning and response systems to defend military installations, government facilities and essential national assets against emerging drone threats. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Spotlight team
• CYBER UNCUT: Genetec's Mathieu Chevalier on tricking AI and what Claude Mythos really means for the industry 01.06.2026 22мин

  Genetec's lead security architect joins the Cyber Uncut podcast to unpack the impact of AI on vulnerability hunting, prompt injection, and how to become invisible with one simple trick. This week on the Cyber Uncut podcast, host David Hollingworth speaks with Genetec's lead security architect, Mathieu Chevalier, about how AI is dramatically impacting both physical and cyber security, the hidden costs of Anthropic's Claude Mythos, and why AI speed must always be matched with human intelligence. But first, Chevalier shares his simple trick to appear invisible to AI with the assistance of just one page of text – or maybe just a T-shirt! The pair then dive into how AI empowers Genetec's security platforms, the rising costs of every AI prompt, and the true power of vulnerability hunting in a post-Mythos world. "I would say the best practices are not established now. It's still so new, and changing so fast," Chevalier says. "So we're kind of trying to learn all together, as a cyber security community, how to do this." Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team
• Australia's first 3D printed autonomous USV, with Josh Wigley and Harry Hubbert 29.05.2026 13мин

  How can the new guard of Australian defence technology companies accelerate development of autonomous maritime capability through rapid manufacturing and AI-enabled uncrewed systems? In this special Indian Ocean Defence & Security Conference & Exhibition episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Hyperion Systems CEO Josh Wigley and Greenroom Robotics co-founder and chief operations officer Harry Hubbert. Hyperion and Greenroom Robotics have partnered to develop the southern hemisphere's first 3D printed uncrewed surface vessel. The craft combines rapid additive manufacturing with Australian autonomy software to deliver a scalable and adaptable maritime platform. Wigley and Hubbert discuss the rapid development of the 4.6-metre USV, including Hyperion's use of recycled Australian plastics and large-scale 3D printing technology alongside Greenroom Robotics' autonomous navigation and mission software. The podcast conversation includes the following topics: Development of the southern hemisphere's first 3D printed autonomous USV. The use of sovereign Australian autonomy software for navigation and mission control. Rapid manufacturing techniques and the role of additive manufacturing in accelerating defence capability delivery. Potential operational applications including ISR, persistent surveillance, logistics support and mine warfare. Lessons drawn from modern conflicts, including Ukraine, and the importance of adaptable autonomous systems. The role of sovereign supply chains, recycled materials and scalable production in Australia's future maritime capability. Finally, the discussion explores the future role of autonomous and uncrewed maritime systems within the Royal Australian Navy, including how Australian industry can rapidly scale sovereign capability development to meet evolving strategic requirements. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
• Australia's shipbuilding future, landing craft pipeline and autonomous vessels, with Austal CEO Paddy Gregg 28.05.2026 11мин

  How is Australia's naval shipbuilding sector preparing for a new generation of landing craft, autonomous maritime systems and general purpose frigates? In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Paddy Gregg, chief executive officer of Austal, speaking directly from the Indian Ocean Defence & Security Conference in Perth. Austal is one of Australia's leading naval shipbuilders and is currently progressing the Landing Craft Medium and Landing Craft Heavy programs under the federal government's Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement alongside continued production of Evolved Cape Class patrol vessels for the Royal Australian Navy and Australian Border Force. Gregg discusses the timeline for construction of the new landing craft fleet, developments in sovereign supply chains and workforce growth, and Austal's preparation for future involvement in the general purpose frigate program based on the Japanese Mogami Class design. The podcast conversation includes the following topics: Construction timelines and design progress for the Landing Craft Medium and Landing Craft Heavy programs. Development of Australian supply chains and workforce expansion to support continuous naval shipbuilding. Austal's role in the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement and preparations for future frigate construction in Western Australia. The ongoing production and operational success of the Evolved Cape Class patrol vessel fleet. Hanwha's increased shareholding in Austal and the potential for future industrial and technology collaboration. Austal's growing experience in autonomous and uncrewed maritime systems, including projects conducted in both Australia and the United States. Finally, the discussion explores the growing importance of autonomous vessels and uncrewed systems in future naval warfare and Australia's evolving maritime capability requirements. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
• CONTESTED GROUND: Assessing the fallout and implications of the latest Trump–Xi meeting for Iran, Taiwan and Australia 27.05.2026 18мин

  When the leaders of the world's two major powers meet, the world stops to take notice and nowhere is this clearer than in the recent meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. There is no escaping the fact that the US–China relationship will be the defining factor of the 21st century, for good or for ill. Join Contested Ground hosts, Steve Kuper and Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson, as they deep dive into the real-world ramifications and fallout following the meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. The pair discuss the shared US–China interest in preventing a renewed trade war and keeping the fragile trade truce intact. Strategically, Taiwan remains the most sensitive and unresolved issue. Xi Jinping frames it as the central risk in the bilateral relationship and warns of the consequences of mismanagement, while Trump largely avoids escalation during formal engagements, later suggesting continued engagement on the issue without committing to a clear stance. Across the wider strategic agenda, the pair cover discussions on military posture, technology restrictions, sanctions and third-party conflicts such as Ukraine, Iran and the Middle East. The pair also discuss the state mutual preference to avoid escalation amid broader global instability, including energy security concerns and supply chain fragility. Finally, they discuss Xi's messaging, which emphasises long-term great-power coexistence, multipolar stability and opposition to bloc confrontation. This presents China as a steady global actor advocating managed competition alongside the traditional Trump approach of more transactional realpolitik, centred on trade, investment flows and market stability, with an emphasis on maintaining flexibility and direct leader-to-leader communication. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team
• CYBER UNCUT: Don't let AI control your bank account, Qilin hackers target Australia, and law enforcement strikes back! 25.05.2026 37мин

  Daniel Croft and David Hollingworth tackle the challenges of linking your finances to an AI agent, break down the Qilin ransomware group's Aussie rampage, the ransom payment dilemma, and round up a week of wins for fighting cyber crime. Australians may soon be able to link their banking details directly with platforms like OpenAI, but is that wise? Croft has recently uncovered a stellar example of why you may want to think twice before clicking "Yes". The pair have been investigating a trio of Qilin ransomware attacks this week, and the victims are all investigating the hackers' claims – but Qilin is acting very strange and not sharing any details of the hacks themselves. Hollingworth and Croft have some suspicions, making this a threat intelligence assessment not to miss. The podcast closes out with a week of law enforcement wins, with cyber criminals both abroad and at home getting their just deserts. You love to see it. Just another week in cyber security. Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team
• Missile manufacturing, Collins LOTE upgrades and submarine base east 21.05.2026 23мин

  Can Australia's defence industrial base and military modernisation efforts keep pace with growing strategic pressures and capability demands? In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, journalist Bethany Alvaro and senior journalist Robert Dougherty discuss Kongsberg's missile manufacturing facility in Newcastle and plans to produce Naval Strike Missiles and Joint Strike Missiles in Australia. The discussion also explores the federal government's launch of the Collins Class life of type extension program, designed to sustain Australia's submarine capability during the transition towards the future AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine fleet. Attention then turns to the delivery of additional AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to the Australian Army. The podcast also examines reports identifying Port Kembla as the preferred east coast base for Australia's future nuclear submarine fleet, as well as Operator XR securing its first European defence contract with the Swedish Armed Forces for virtual reality tactical training systems. Rounding out the episode, the team analyses Russia's recent Victory Day parade, including the reduced display of military hardware and the growing influence of drone warfare. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
• CYBER UNCUT: Budget priorities, paying ransoms, and Cyber Daily chats with Frank Briguglio, FCTO at SailPoint 18.05.2026 38мин

  Daniel Croft and David Hollingworth analyse the Albanese government's budget, the Instructure breach and ransom payments, and Dan Marks from Austrade chats with SailPoint's federal chief technology officer. Jim Chalmers has handed down another Labor budget, and while it seems like not a lot for cyber security, Hollingworth thinks the heavy lifting has already been done – do you agree? Then it's on to a massive issue – do you pay a ransom to cyber criminals? That is possibly what learning platform provider Instructure may have done. The pair break that down, from the morality to the fact that sometimes, that may be the best choice. But can you trust a criminal? The jury, as they say, is out. And once again, we are joined by Dan Marks, investment director and cyber security lead for Austrade, who sat down with Frank Briguglio, federal chief technology officer at SailPoint, at the recent RSA Conference. Just another week in cyber security. Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team
• Aerobatics, military aviation and Australian air shows, with Paul Bennet 15.05.2026 31мин

  What drives the passion behind flying and preserving some of the world's most iconic military aircraft? And how can air shows inspire the next generation of aviators, engineers and defence personnel? Find out in this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast as senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by aerobatic pilot and renowned warbird aviation enthusiast Paul Bennet, founder of Paul Bennet Airshows. Fresh from preparation flights for Australia's largest regional air show, Wings Over Shellharbour 2026, Bennet discusses his lifelong passion for aviation, which began with model aircraft and evolving into flying aerobatic aircraft and some of the world's most recognisable warbirds. Bennet operates and flies an extensive collection of historic and aerobatic aircraft, including the Hawker Sea Fury, de Havilland Vampire, F4U Corsair, CAC Wirraway, T-28 Trojan, Grumman Avenger and two Yak-52 aircraft. He maintains the collection while regularly flying Mustang, Kitty Hawk and Hurricane fighters alongside competing in aerobatics and performing internationally. Drawing on decades of experience in aviation operations, aircraft ownership and international air show performances, Bennet discusses the engineering, maintenance and operational realities of preserving historic military aircraft while promoting aviation to future generations. The podcast conversation includes the following topics: The origins of Bennet's passion for aviation, aerobatics and warbird aircraft. Flying characteristics and performance differences between aircraft, including the Sea Fury, Spitfire, Mustang and early jet aircraft such as the Vampire. The operational challenges of maintaining historic military aircraft, including sourcing parts, engineering replacements and preserving authenticity. Australia's warbird preservation community, aviation museums and the importance of supporting historic aircraft collections. The rarity and restoration difficulties associated with Axis aircraft such as the Japanese Zero and German Bf 109. The role of air shows in promoting aviation, defence recruitment and STEM education pathways for young Australians. Comparisons between Australian, US and South Korean air show culture and military participation. Opportunities for collaboration between the defence industry, aviation enthusiasts and advanced manufacturing supply chains in Australia as well as the give and take of working with the Australian Defence Force. Career pathways into aviation, including military aviation, commercial flying, aerobatics and flight instruction. Finally, the discussion explores the future of Australian air shows, the importance of growing aviation engagement nationally, and Bennet's ambitions to continue expanding both his aircraft collection and international air show presence. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
• CONTESTED GROUND: Australia and the West must ask themselves new questions in the face of the modern world, with Robbin Laird 11.05.2026 35мин

  Each and every day, the world is becoming more unpredictable, yet Australia continues with the post-Cold War status quo. As things continue to deteriorate, we're going to have to ask ourselves some particularly confronting questions. Australia and its allies are entering an "age of chaos" in which the assumptions that shaped the post-Cold War order are rapidly breaking down. Rather than dealing with isolated crises that can be managed and resolved individually, governments, militaries, and societies are now confronting overlapping and mutually reinforcing disruptions, including strategic competition, technological upheaval, economic fragmentation, supply chain vulnerability, and the rise of networked authoritarian powers. Central to Australia's response is understanding the distinction between traditional "crisis management" and "chaos management". Crisis management assumes stability will eventually return and institutions can revert to previous norms once a disruption passes. Chaos management, by contrast, accepts that instability, uncertainty, and persistent competition are now enduring features of the strategic environment. In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by expert defence and security analyst and White House veteran Robbin Laird to discuss the impact of the emergence of the era of disruption. This only becomes more important and pivotal as we grapple with the reality that the international system is no longer defined by uncontested Western dominance, nor is it returning to a simple Cold War-style bipolar structure. Rather, the world is evolving into a fragmented and highly interconnected environment where economic dependency and geopolitical rivalry coexist simultaneously, particularly between the United States and China. This creates strategic complexity for middle powers such as Australia, whose decisions on defence, trade, industrial policy, and alliances will increasingly shape the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. Australia's response to this is recognising the growing importance of resilience and sovereign capability. The author argues that efficiency and globalisation can no longer be the sole priorities for democratic nations if they undermine strategic security. Supply chains, industrial capacity, digital infrastructure, and technological innovation are increasingly viewed as national security issues rather than purely economic considerations. In this context, adaptability, redundancy, and the ability to rapidly regenerate capability are presented as critical determinants of national power. Ultimately, democratic nations must rethink how they approach leadership, preparedness, and strategy in a world defined by accelerating disruption. Rather than attempting to restore an increasingly obsolete status quo, governments and institutions must develop the capacity to operate effectively amid prolonged uncertainty, while strengthening alliances, industrial resilience, and societal cohesion to navigate an increasingly contested global order. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground Team
• Black Hawk capability, B-21 bomber debate, and upcoming budget 11.05.2026 19мин

  Questions remain around Australia's defence modernisation efforts. Can the nation continue expanding advanced capabilities while balancing cost, readiness, and strategic priorities? In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Robert Dougherty and Bethany Alvaro discuss concerns surrounding the Arafura Class offshore patrol vessel program, including delays, capability questions, and reductions to planned vessel numbers. The discussion also explores the Australian Army's UH-60M Black Hawk fleet, emerging technologies such as sonic weapons and autonomous underwater systems, as well as sustainability in defence capability development. Attention then turns to proposals for Australia to consider B-21 Raider bombers as part of its long-range strike capability, alongside broader questions surrounding AUKUS, defence spending, and strategic alignment with the United States. Rounding out the episode, the team examines expectations ahead of the upcoming federal budget and what it could mean for future defence priorities. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
• CYBER UNCUT: AI security woes, Aussie schools caught in international breach, and ThreatLocker's Rob Allen 11.05.2026 41мин

  Australian students and teachers have been compromised by an international data breach, with thousands of kids likely impacted. David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft break down how it happened, why it matters, and what schools need to do to protect themselves. PLUS! Cyber Daily partners with Austrade to bring you a series of interviews direct from the RSA Conference 2026. Artificial intelligence is having an impact on almost every industry, and finance is no exception – that's why the US Federal Reserve is helping the sector navigate the global impact of AI. And while organisations are adopting the technology at pace, they're often too slow to secure it. Understand why that matters and what your organisation can do. The big news of the week stems from a breach of cloud education platform provider Instructure, and Aussie schools – and staff and students – have already been compromised. Find out what happened, who did the hacking, and what it means for the education sector at large. If you're a school CISO, this is vital information! Finally, the podcast wraps up with a pair of special guests, as Austrade's investment director at the Australian embassy in Washington sits down with ThreatLocker's Rob Allen to talk about the company's philosophy, its operations in Australia, and the importance of application control in the modern enterprise. Just another week in cyber security. Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team
• Supermarine Spitfire, warbird aviation and modern aerial innovation, with Keith Russell 07.05.2026 33мин

  How close can a modern reproduction come to the legendary Supermarine Spitfire from World War II? And what does preserving and flying these aircraft reveal about aviation engineering, military history and innovation? In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Keith Russell, owner and pilot of the Whitsunday Spitfire, a 90 per cent scale reproduction of the iconic World War II Mk26B Spitfire aircraft. Formerly known as the Port Hedland Spitfire and White Gum Spitfire, Russell's aircraft recently appeared at Warbirds Over Scone 2026 in NSW and Warbirds Over Wānaka in New Zealand. Russell is also the former owner of Golden Eagle Airlines, a regional airline previously operating out of Derby, Western Australia, and has spent decades immersed in aviation operations and historic aircraft. Drawing on his experiences flying both reproduction and original wartime Spitfires, including a two-seat Spitfire flight at Duxford in 2005, Russell discusses the engineering, handling and passion behind operating one of the world's most recognisable fighter aircraft. The podcast conversation includes the following topics: How the reproduction Spitfire compares to original wartime aircraft in handling, flight dynamics and pilot experience. The engineering evolution of the aircraft, including modern modifications, experimental aviation regulations and replica aircraft manufacturing. The strong international warbird community and the passion driving private ownership of historic military aircraft. Operational realities of flying tailwheel aircraft, aerobatics and maintaining aviation discipline and safety. Paint schemes, restoration authenticity and the challenges of balancing historical accuracy with personal customisation. The role of innovation in aviation, from handcrafted aircraft design through to CNC manufacturing and experimental engineering. Finally, the discussion explores the nature of warfare with older aircraft making a return to defeat drones and autonomous systems during the conflict in Ukraine. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
• CYBER UNCUT: AI without guardrails – why Australian businesses are sleepwalking into cyber risk 04.05.2026 42мин

  Qualys ANZ managing director Sam Salehi joins the Cyber Uncut podcast to expose the expanding AI attack surface, the governance gaps exposing organisations, and why boards must translate cyber risk into dollars to take it seriously. This week on the Cyber Uncut podcast, host Liam Garman speaks with Qualys ANZ managing director Sam Salehi about the rapidly evolving "AI attack surface" – from shadow AI usage and prompt injection risks to data leakage and model vulnerabilities – and why a lack of visibility is leaving businesses exposed before they even realise it. Salehi outlines the core problem facing security leaders: organisations often don't know what AI tools are already in use, let alone how to secure them. The conversation explores how fragmented tooling, poor asset inventory, and missing business context are undermining risk management efforts, while boards continue to push AI adoption for efficiency gains. Salehi argues that leaders are flying blind, prioritising the wrong threats while leaving critical exposures unaddressed. From data minimisation and API security to continuous monitoring and the rise of the "risk operations centre", Salehi emphasises the need for a unified, risk-based approach. His bottom line is blunt: in an environment where exploitation timelines are shrinking to hours, the only metric that matters is how quickly organisations can detect and close exposure – before attackers do. Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team
• Bushmaster PMV funding, long-range strike expansion and cyber defence 01.05.2026 20мин

  Questions remain around sovereign manufacturing. Can Australia continue scaling its land and cyber capabilities while balancing industrial capacity and long-term strategic priorities? In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Stephen Kuper, Robert Dougherty and Bethany Alvaro discuss a significant week across Australia's defence landscape, in particular the $750 million investment to expand the Bushmaster protected mobility vehicle fleet (PMV). The discussion explores the platform's operational performance, lessons learnt from deployment in Ukraine, and emerging considerations around counter-drone technologies, including the potential integration of directed-energy systems. The team also assesses news about the broader land capability developments, including a $2.3 billion push to enhance the Army's long-range strike capacity through systems such as the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System. Attention then turns to domestic industrial capacity, with a closer look at Australia's ability to manufacture key components locally, such as vehicle engines. On leadership, the team discusses the appointment of a new defence secretary, marking a historic milestone and signalling a potential shift towards stronger alignment between defence strategy and domestic industry policy. Rounding out the episode, the panel dives into emerging cyber defence priorities, including proposals for a national cyber reserve force. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
• Space Command workforce expansion and operationalising the domain, with Major General Gregory Novak AM 30.04.2026 46мин

  How is Australia building a specialised space workforce while balancing sovereign capability, allied integration and the operational demands of a contested domain? In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Commander of Australian Space Command, Major General Gregory Novak AM, to discuss the rapid evolution of the space domain and its growing importance to national security. MAJGEN Novak outlines the role of Space Command as a force generation organisation responsible for raising, training and sustaining Australia's space capability. The discussion explores direct entry pathways and creation of dedicated space workforce streams, including space operations officers and specialists as well as how these roles will build deep technical mastery while maintaining integration across land, sea, air and cyber domains. The episode also examines how Australia is prioritising key mission areas such as satellite communications, space domain awareness and missile warning while balancing sovereign capability development with allied and commercial partnerships. The podcast conversation includes the following topics: Introduction of direct entry recruitment pathways for space operations roles. Development of a specialised Australian Defence Force space workforce and career progression model. Key priority mission sets, including satellite communications, space domain awareness and missile warning. Balancing sovereign capability with allied, partner and commercial integration. The role of space in enabling joint force operations and national resilience. Growth of Australia's domestic space industry and opportunities in launch capability. Challenges of operating in a contested and congested space environment. The importance of public awareness and understanding of space's role in everyday life. Finally, the discussion reflects on the future of the space domain, the need for speed in capability development, and the importance of nurturing the next generation of space professionals. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
• CONTESTED GROUND: The Defence budget, inflationary pressures and domestic information warfare 29.04.2026 34мин

  The release and messaging surrounding the 2026 National Defence Strategy and 2026 Integrated Investment Program is just the latest salvo in the government's effort to direct the national conversation about our national security. With the government emphasising major increases in Defence spending over the next decade, the government is hoping that the headline figures and a lack of public understanding of Defence spending will be enough to convince the nation we're doing enough to protect our interests. Hosts Phil Tarrant, Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson and Steve Kuper deep dive into the current battle for control of the narrative and the unfolding strategies being leveraged to target various Australian demographics, with specific examples in the economic domain as Australians face increasing inflation and fuel insecurity despite what they're being told. The trio also unpack the latest announcements around the winds of change sweeping through the Department of Defence, with the recent appointments to chief of Defence, chief of Army and the appointment of the new secretary of Defence designed to emphasise the government's priority areas: national resilience and sovereignty. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team
• SPOTLIGHT: Maritime sustainment, mission-ready maintenance and resilient fleet capability, with Serco's David Astbury 28.04.2026 26мин

  The world of maritime operations is built on a bedrock foundation of modern naval sustainment. In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by David Astbury, Asia-Pacific general manager for Defence at Serco, to explore the evolving challenges and opportunities shaping maritime maintenance and sustainment. Kuper and Astbury discuss the growing importance of resilient, sovereign sustainment capabilities as Australia prepares for the delivery of future naval platforms, including AUKUS submarines and an expanded surface fleet. The pair explore advancements in autonomous systems and digital technologies that are reshaping traditional sustainment models, requiring new skill sets across electrical, electronic and software domains. They discuss the impact of life cycle management, with defence organisations placing greater emphasis on designing platforms with sustainment and upgrade pathways in mind. Platforms must be adaptable, with more frequent upgrades and modular architectures. Cost pressures remain a key challenge but looking ahead, they examine the growing influence of artificial intelligence in maintenance and diagnostics, enabling faster decision making and reducing reliance on traditional support models. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Spotlight team