Defence & Security Podcast Network

Episodes

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  AUKUS, workforce challenges and domestic defence industry priorities, with AtkinsRéalis' David Eyles 29.10.2026 10m

  How is AtkinsRéalis supporting Australia's AUKUS submarine enterprise, addressing critical workforce shortages and translating global expertise into sovereign defence capability? Speaking with Defence Connect news editor Robert Dougherty at Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition 2026, AtkinsRéalis defence market director David Eyles discusses the company's priorities for Australia's defence industry, including nuclear submarine infrastructure, workforce development and support for the Australian Defence Force. The conversation explores the challenges of accelerating AUKUS delivery, securing the specialist skills required for the nuclear-powered submarine enterprise and addressing bottlenecks associated with overseas security clearance recognition, visa requirements and workforce mobility. Eyles also discusses the importance of collaboration between government, industry, universities and TAFE providers in developing a sustainable sovereign workforce, alongside the role of state governments in strengthening defence industry investment and supporting national security priorities. He shares his views on emerging opportunities across defence infrastructure and the guided weapons enterprise, building partnerships with government and industry, and leveraging global expertise to deliver locally tailored solutions for Australia's evolving defence requirements. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
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  CYBER UNCUT: AI, job cuts, and PHP drama – Cyber Uncut tackles another wild week 26.10.2026 38m

  From AI-driven bank job cuts and online radicalisation to critical PHP vulnerabilities and ransomware gangs using AI to analyse stolen data, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft unpack a week where artificial intelligence is reshaping both business and cyber crime. AI is transforming banking, but the benefits come with a human cost. On this week's Cyber Uncut, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft examine Commonwealth Bank's rise to become Asia-Pacific's leading AI bank, alongside mounting job cuts across the sector. With banks struggling to guarantee job security and AI operating costs climbing, could some businesses soon find it cheaper to hire people than run the technology? The cyber threat landscape is getting uglier, too. Two critical remote code execution vulnerabilities in PHP have put potentially millions of websites at risk, with outdated systems particularly exposed and AI accelerating the development of working exploits. The pair also examine how ransomware gangs are using AI to analyse stolen files and build more targeted extortion campaigns, while warning that online networks and AI-generated propaganda are contributing to radicalisation and real-world harm. There are signs of progress amid the gloom. Westpac New Zealand is seeing growing adoption of open banking, giving customers more control over secure data sharing and payments. The hosts also explore the growing backlash against data centre developments, why community consultation matters, and Gartner's predictions for 2027 – including the decidedly cyberpunk prospect of "wetware-as-a-service", using biological systems for computing. Tune in for the stories shaping the intersection of AI, business, and cyber security. Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team
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  Aerospace engineering, UAVs and Australia's next generation of defence talent, with RMIT University's Marcus Serong 23.10.2026 10m

  How are university engineering programs and hands-on aircraft design competitions helping develop the next generation of aerospace engineers for Australia's defence industry? Speaking with Defence Connect news editor Robert Dougherty, RMIT University aerospace engineering honours student Marcus Serong discusses his experience competing in the AIAA Design/Build/Fly competition in the United States in April 2026 and how practical engineering experience is shaping his career in the Australian defence sector. The conversation, recorded at the 35th Congress of the International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences, explores the competition's challenges, including designing and building a lightweight aircraft capable of carrying payloads, completing simulated charter flights and deploying a banner. Serong discusses the growing importance of small uncrewed aerial systems in modern warfare, the engineering challenges posed by battery technology and the lessons students can take from developing low-cost, composite uncrewed aircraft. He shares his views on strengthening collaboration between universities and industry, equipping graduates with practical problem-solving skills and creating opportunities for students and tradespeople to enter the defence sector. The discussion also examines what defence companies can do to attract and retain emerging engineering talent, including providing effective graduate onboarding, early involvement in projects and opportunities to work across a range of technical challenges. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
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  Counter-drone systems, manufacturing and Australia's defence industry priorities, with Northrop Grumman Australia's Robert Denney 22.10.2026 17m

  How is Northrop Grumman Australia supporting sovereign defence manufacturing, strengthening local supply chains and developing next-generation counter-drone capabilities? Speaking with Defence Connect news editor Robert Dougherty at Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition 2026, Northrop Grumman Australia country executive Robert Denney discusses the company's priorities for Australian Defence Force capability, including proximity-fused ammunition, Bushmaster cannon systems and emerging counter-uncrewed aerial system technologies. The conversation explores Northrop Grumman's ambition to develop a fully Australian solid rocket motor supply chain, the opportunities for local manufacturers to support domestic and international programs, and the challenges of producing advanced military components to demanding operational standards. Denney also discusses the company's proposed 50mm gun-based air defence system capability, known as Raid Hunter, designed to provide an additional layer of defence against drones and other aerial threats. He shares his views on accelerating capability delivery, strengthening industry partnerships and the role of trade shows in connecting Defence with existing and emerging solutions. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
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  SPOTLIGHT: Australia's loitering munitions, sovereign manufacturing and the future of drone warfare, with Innovaero's Gregory Tunny 20.10.2026 35m

  How is Australia developing sovereign loitering munition capabilities, scaling domestic production and preparing for the changing character of modern warfare? Speaking with Defence Connect news editor Robert Dougherty, Innovaero CEO Gregory Tunny discusses the evolution of drone warfare, the growing importance of affordable precision mass and the lessons emerging from conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. The conversation explores Innovaero's OWL family of loitering munitions, including the OWL-B and turbojet-powered OWL-X, and how a common mission system, electronics and software can support multiple operational roles, including long-range strike and counter-drone interception. Tunny also discusses the company's participation in the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator's Mission Talon-Strike, which is designed to progress emerging capabilities towards manufacture, certification and potential entry into service. He explains the importance of reliability, testing and certification for weaponised uncrewed systems. The discussion then examines the importance of sovereign manufacturing, with Tunny arguing that Australia must be able to produce affordable drone-based munitions at scale rather than rely solely on access to overseas suppliers. He also outlines Innovaero's plans to expand production capacity following its initial public offering. Looking ahead, Tunny discusses the growing role of autonomy, electronic warfare resilience, software-driven upgrades and increased speed and range in future drone systems. He also examines the importance of maintaining warm production capacity, component stockpiles and the industrial infrastructure needed to rapidly scale output during a conflict. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Spotlight team
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  CYBER UNCUT: Deepfakes, hacked fridges and Australia's evolving cyber defences 19.10.2026 30m

  From banks battling big tech for AI talent to ransomware attacks exposing sensitive medical records, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft unpack another eventful week in cyber security – including why your supermarket fridge might be a bigger security risk than you think. AI is reshaping everything from banking to elections, but are organisations keeping pace with the risks? Hollingworth and Croft explore the race for AI talent, the collapse of Firmus' proposed $44 billion ASX listing, and growing concerns about AI-generated deepfakes in electoral advertising. With AI adoption racing ahead of governance, the pair examine the challenge of balancing innovation, economic opportunity and accountability. Then it's on to the week's cyber crime headlines, from French supermarkets hit by compromised refrigeration systems to ransomware groups claiming vast troves of sensitive healthcare data. The incidents affecting a pair of Aussie healthcare providers highlight the risks of third-party providers and compromised back-ups. Hollingworth and Croft also discuss why connected operational technology needs stronger security controls and why organisations must treat their suppliers as part of their own cyber perimeter. There's good news, too. Australia's new ASD Essentials framework marks an evolution of the Essential Eight, reflecting a threat landscape increasingly shaped by AI. And in a standout example of AI used for good, Indigenous rangers in Arnhem Land are using MegaDetector to streamline wildlife monitoring, cutting the images requiring analysis by 81.4 per cent. Tune in to Cyber Uncut for the latest developments, sharp analysis and a reminder that technology's biggest risks and most promising applications can emerge from the same place. Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team
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  Contested logistics and Australia's defence industry priorities at Land Forces 2026, with Amentum Australia's Kim Katheklakis 15.10.2026 13m

  Amentum is looking to expand its presence in Australia's defence and national security sectors, with a focus on contested logistics, theatre logistics and support for naval infrastructure. Speaking with Defence Connect news editor Robert Dougherty at Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition 2026, Amentum Australia managing director Kim Katheklakis discusses the company's growth strategy and its priorities for supporting Australian Defence Force capability. The conversation explores Western Australia's growing defence industry investment, opportunities for collaboration across state governments and the development of supply chain partnerships to support contested logistics across northern Australia. Katheklakis also shares her views on workforce challenges, international knowledge-sharing under AUKUS, the importance of building sovereign capability and the role of industry in integrating solutions to meet Australia's evolving defence requirements. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
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  Containerised solutions and human-in-the-loop systems at Land Forces 2026, with IAI's Maxim Zemer 13.10.2026 13m

  Israel Aerospace Industries expands into the Indo-Pacific region as it pitches solutions for local deployment of missile, uncrewed aerial vehicle, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems. Speaking with Defence Connect news editor Robert Dougherty at Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition 2026, Israel Aerospace Industries' marketing director, Maxim Zemer, discusses the company's expansion into the Australian and Indo-Pacific regional market. The conversation explores the importance of new containerised solutions for air defence and other purposes, as well as why the Australian market is considered to be particularly important for IAI. Zemer also shares his views on industry trends, AI development, human-in-the-loop theory and cooperation with local companies at Land Forces 2026. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
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  SPOTLIGHT: Lockheed Martin Australia's priorities, leadership and life after service, with Jeremy King 12.10.2026 36m

  How is Lockheed Martin Australia strengthening defence capability, expanding local manufacturing and delivering complex programs for the Australian Defence Force Speaking with Defence Connect news editor Robert Dougherty, Major General (Ret'd) Jeremy King, chief executive of Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand, discusses his transition from senior Defence leadership into industry and the challenges of delivering major capability programs across Australia and New Zealand. The conversation explores Lockheed Martin's growing role in Australia's guided weapons enterprise, including the local assembly and firing of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System missiles and development of domestic production capacity for GMLRS and Precision Strike Missiles. King also discusses collaboration with Australian industry partners on warhead development, testing and the integration of local suppliers into global supply chains. The discussion examines Lockheed Martin's involvement in major Defence programs, including the company's investment in the Air Power Precinct at RAAF Williamtown in NSW. Looking ahead, King discusses the challenges of growing Australia's developing skilled workforces, expanding apprenticeship programs and helping Australian small and medium-sized businesses meet the technical and quality requirements needed to participate in global defence supply chains. He also reflects on the value of his career in the Australian Defence Force and how the experience on both sides of the acquisition process informs his approach to industry leadership. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Spotlight team
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  CYBER UNCUT: Dead internet theory, AI agent guerilla marketing hacks, and the pros and cons of data centres 12.10.2026 51m

  Cyber Uncut returns to discuss AI giant conspiracies, data centre impacts, and the dead internet theory. Are AI giants like OpenAI having their agents hack things on purpose? Senior journalist Daniel Croft and managing editor Liam Garman touch on the theory that these tech giants want their AI models hacking, as any publicity is good publicity. The two start by discussing dead internet theory and bots causing division, starting with the 2016 election. They then discuss local hacks and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia's AI copyright changes. Finally, the two talk about data centres and the impact they could have on markets. Are data centres set to cause a "mining boom" effect in small, regional towns? How are rental and housing markets going to be impacted? Should data centre developers be building housing right next to their projects? The answer might not be as clear as you might think. That's this week in the Cyber Uncut podcast. Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut Team
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  THE PROGRESS REPORT: Leadership, mentorship and life at sea – Commander Melanie Lennard on 17 years in the Royal Australian Navy 09.10.2026 30m

  How do you build an inclusive, adaptable and capable Australian Defence Force through leadership, lifelong learning and the experiences that shape military careers? Royal Australian Navy Commander Melanie Lennard shares her journey from studying sports science at university to a 17-year career in the Royal Australian Navy, including operational deployments to South Sudan and the leadership lessons that have shaped her professional development. In this episode of The Progress Report, former news editor Steve Kuper sits down with CMDR Lennard to discuss her experiences as a female naval officer and how the Navy has evolved to create greater opportunities for women across the ADF. The pair also explore the role of formal and informal mentoring in developing the next generation of military leaders, the importance of continuous professional development, and how learning from colleagues, operational experiences and international partners can shape leadership approaches. Beyond leadership and diversity, CMDR Lennard reflects on her deployments to South Sudan in support of a United Nations mission, the challenges of working alongside more than 60 nations, and the perspective these experiences provide on Australia's security, freedoms and way of life. The conversation also examines the opportunities emerging from Navy's modernisation, the potential for career changes and further study while serving, and the importance of sharing positive stories about the people serving in the ADF. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team
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  Australia's munitions manufacturing push at Land Forces 2026, with NIOA Group's Robert Nioa 09.10.2026 22m

  NIOA Group is expanding its role in Australia's munitions manufacturing sector amid growing global demand, supply chain constraints and the need to strengthen domestic defence industrial capability. Speaking with Defence Connect news editor Robert Dougherty at Land Forces 2026, NIOA Group CEO Robert Nioa discusses the company's growing role as a prime contractor, its partnerships with the Australian government and international industry, and efforts to expand domestic production of artillery ammunition, explosives and other munitions. The conversation also explores global ammunition shortages, the strategic and economic benefits of sovereign manufacturing, proximity-fused warheads for counter-drone systems, and the challenges of establishing a sustainable Australian munitions industrial base. Nioa also shares his views on future small arms requirements for the Australian Defence Force and the potential timeline for replacing the F88 Austeyr service rifle. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
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  EOS showcases new interceptor and layered drone defence at Land Forces 2026, with Lee Kormany 08.10.2026 17m

  Electro Optic Systems is showcasing a range of counter-uncrewed aerial systems technology and a new EOS Interceptor at Land Forces 2026 in Perth. Speaking with Defence Connect, EOS executive vice president Lee Kormany discusses several of the company's latest announcements, counter-drone treads internationally, domestic manufacturing and the increasing global shortages in proximity fuse ammunition used against drones. The conversation also explores EOS' focus on remote weapon systems and how the company continues to expand its presence across Australia and international markets. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
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  CONTESTED GROUND: The information advantage – how AI is reshaping influence, competition and power 07.10.2026 25m

  Information has always shaped power and influence – but in the age of artificial intelligence, the speed, scale and sophistication with which narratives can be created and deployed has changed dramatically. In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, Phil Tarrant and Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson explore how the tradecraft of information warfare is increasingly intersecting with the commercial world, and why influence, narrative and information advantages are becoming critical strategic capabilities for modern businesses. They unpack the parallels – and important differences – between military information operations and commercial competition, from shaping perceptions and gaining decision superiority to defending against misinformation and responding to crises at speed. With AI now enabling highly targeted content to be created in hours rather than weeks, Tarrant and Thompson examine what this means for business leaders, why communications can no longer be left solely to marketing teams, and why organisations need the people, systems and strategy to compete in an information environment moving faster than ever before.
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  Next-generation equipment at Land Forces 2026, with Aquaterro's Graeme Bulte 07.10.2026 12m

  SIG Sauer's newly unveiled P385 pistol makes its international debut at Land Forces 2026 in Perth, with Australian defence company Aquaterro showcasing the new weapon alongside the M8 carbine. Speaking with Defence Connect, Aquaterro founder and managing director Graeme Bulte discusses the P385's capabilities, its compatibility with the existing P320 magazine and what the new pistol could mean for Australian defence and law enforcement users. The conversation also explores Australia's growing SIG Sauer ecosystem, including the Australian Defence Force's F9 P320 sidearm and Aquaterro's recently signed Defence contract covering the supply, support and sustainment of SIG technologies. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team
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  SPOTLIGHT: Defence electronics supply chains, counterfeit components and shortages 06.10.2026 41m

  How are global electronics shortages, AI-driven demand and counterfeit components reshaping Australia's defence supply chain Speaking with Defence Connect Spotlight news editor Robert Dougherty, Astute Group marketing director Mark Shanley, IntelliDesign head of business development Frank Harrington and Moog Australia director of industry development Neil Fitzpatrick discuss the challenges facing defence manufacturers as component shortages, price volatility and extended lead times continue to disrupt critical programs. The panel examines how AI-fuelled demand for high-bandwidth memory and other semiconductor components is placing unprecedented pressure on global supply chains, driving higher prices and longer procurement timelines. The conversation explores the growing threat of counterfeit electronic components entering defence supply chains, highlighting the importance of rigorous testing, traceability, quality assurance and international standards to protect mission-critical systems. The guests also discuss how collaboration between primes, SMEs and trusted distribution partners can reduce supply chain risk while maintaining capability. Looking ahead, Shanley, Harrington and Fitzpatrick discuss strengthening Australia's sovereign defence industry through greater supply chain resilience, improved counterfeit awareness, export readiness and closer alignment with international defence procurement standards to support AUKUS and future global defence opportunities. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Spotlight team
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  CYBER UNCUT: AI agents, Medicare, and the dangers of getting an LLM drunk 05.10.2026 36m

  Cyber Uncut returns with an AI hacking incident at Medicare, ransomware drama, banking breaches, and the surprisingly serious security lessons from getting AI "drunk". Would you let an AI agent apply for a loan on your behalf?  New research suggests 59 per cent of Australians would – but Cyber Daily's David Hollingworth and Banking Daily's Daniel Croft aren't convinced. The pair break down the growing willingness to hand AI sensitive financial data and decision-making authority, and why giving an agent autonomy creates a very different risk profile from simply asking ChatGPT to find you the best deal.  The conversation then turns to the OpenAI agent that accessed the Australian government's Medicare statistics service, the fallout from the incident, and what happens when AI systems pursue goals with loose guardrails. From ShinyHunters' extraordinary clash with the FBI to Revolut's accidental disclosure of customer data, Hollingworth and Croft examine how AI-enabled threats and old-fashioned social engineering are converging – while ransomware groups continue to target organisations holding highly sensitive data.   And then things get weird. Researchers at UNSW have demonstrated how prompting or fine-tuning AI to behave as though it were intoxicated can weaken its safeguards and make it more willing to overshare. Beneath the laughs is a serious warning: protections that work under normal conditions may not hold when an AI is pursuing a goal, adapting its behaviour, or encountering obstacles. Tune in for the latest Cyber Uncut conversation between David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft.  Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team
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  AUKUS, China and Australia's defence industrial future, with former prime minister Scott Morrison 01.10.2026 37m

  Australia's strategic environment is changing rapidly, but defence procurement and industry must move faster to keep pace. Speaking with Defence Connect news editor Robert Dougherty, former Australian prime minister Scott Morrison discusses the five-year evolution of AUKUS, Australia's defence industrial base, China's economic and strategic influence, critical minerals and the need to accelerate defence procurement. Morrison argues that AUKUS is already delivering tangible benefits, with US submarines operating from Australia and investment progressing at Henderson to support US, UK and Australian submarine operations. The pair also discuss US submarine production constraints and Australia's plans to develop a tier-one domestic defence prime. Morrison highlights that Australia should maintain trade with China where appropriate while strengthening economic and strategic resilience through closer cooperation with aligned countries. The conversation turns to critical minerals, with Morrison arguing China's use of supply-chain leverage is accelerating investment in alternative sources. Australia, he says, has an important role as an extractor, while processing capabilities can be distributed across allied countries, including the US, Japan and South Korea. Looking towards the next decade, Morrison calls for faster defence decision making and procurement because systems designed for the post-Cold War environment are no longer suited to today's strategic conditions. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
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  CONTESTED GROUND: When AI goes rogue – the emerging threat Australia isn't ready for 30.09.2026 15m

  Artificial intelligence promises to transform productivity, business and government – but what happens when the technology starts making decisions its human operators never intended? In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, Phil Tarrant is joined by Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson to examine the rapidly emerging security risks surrounding AI, from autonomous agents exploiting vulnerabilities to the growing challenge of keeping increasingly powerful systems inside appropriate guardrails. With businesses racing to deploy AI and governments grappling with how – or whether – to regulate it, Tarrant and Thompson explore whether Australia is moving fast enough to understand the threat, protect critical systems and ensure the technology designed to make us more productive doesn't become a new contested ground itself.
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  CYBER UNCUT: Bringing networking and security together to cut cyber risk 28.09.2026 21m

  HPE's Matt Hanmer says organisations must break down the traditional divide between network and security teams as AI accelerates attacks and infrastructure becomes increasingly distributed. Organisations need to bring network and security operations together to keep pace with increasingly distributed infrastructure and faster-moving cyber threats, according to HPE APJ regional director Matt Hanmer. Speaking on the Cyber Uncut podcast, Hanmer said the traditional separation between teams is becoming unworkable as organisations connect more people, locations and applications while facing pressure to do more with less. Treating the network as a security sensor can help organisations detect threats while reducing duplicated tools, costs and operational complexity. AI is adding urgency to the shift, with attackers increasingly automating activity that once took months and compressing parts of the attack lifecycle into hours or minutes, Hanmer said. Defenders need to automate repetitive security operations while keeping humans responsible for oversight and intervention. Rather than keeping people "in the loop" for every decision, Hanmer advocates putting humans "on the loop" – setting rules and parameters for automated systems while ensuring security teams can intervene when necessary. Hanmer will discuss HPE's approach further at HPE Networking Day in Sydney on 7 October, where attendees can see its networking roadmap, demonstrations, and meet its global leadership team. Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team