Australian Defence Magazine Podcast

In this episode, Grant McHerron talks with Nick Floyd and James Eling of the Royal Australian Artillery Historical Company (RAAHC) regarding the RAAHC and the Firepower seminars being conducted this year around Australia.We begin our discussion by exploring the history and purpose of RAAHC, including its formation in 1981 as a volunteer organization dedicated to preserving Australian artillery heritage . We then delve into the Firepower seminar series, which has previously examined World War I and II artillery experiences, and the topics for this year's presentations which are reviewing Australia's mobilization challenges during the buildup to WWII and the similar issues being faced in today's geopolitical environment. The seminars cover key topics including building sovereign industrial capability, continental defense against Japanese threats in WWII and adaptation to joint operations in littoral environments.We wrap up by assessing how these historical insights inform the Australian Army's future development, emphasizing agility and learning from past mistakes due to rapid technological change.Links:The Firepower Seminarshttps://firepowerseminar.com.au/Royal Australian Artillery Historical Companyhttps://artilleryhistory.org/The Principles of War podcasthttps://theprinciplesofwar.com/------------------The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via defmag@yaffa.com.au to get involved.ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence.For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan.Hosted by Grant McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherAustralian Defence Magazine - © 2026

In this News Review episode, Grant McHerron, Ewen Levick and Kirra Davey review and discuss some of the news of interest that's occurred recently in the world of Defence.We start the episode discussing Boeing's MQ-28A Ghost Bat which is being displayed at the ILA Berlin Air Show as it's in consideration for Germany's Collaborative Combat Aircraft role. Boeing announced at the event a series of upgraded capabilities for the MQ-28 along with the addition of Diehl Defence and Rohde & Schwarz to the Ghost Bat industry team. From there we move on to the announcement that PMB Defence and TKMS have partnered on the Canadian submarine bid which, if successful, will see PMB supplying batteries for each boat.After those news items, it's over to the UK where the British Defence Secretary has abruptly resigned in protest of the government's failure to spend sufficient funds on Defence. In addition to throwing a spanner in the plans for Richard Marles and Penny Wong who are there for the AUKMIN meetings, this also raises the question of what effect are the billions of dollars Australia is sending to the UK Defence Industry actually having? Also, the UK's Defence spend as % GDP is higher than Australia's yet so if the UK's can be considered insufficient, what are the implications for Australia?We wrap up with a look at the need for a bridging submarine capability that could be done instead of Collins LOTE, given that program is doing less and costing more than planned. With the very real chance of delays, both in receiving Virginia class submarines and production of SSN AUKUS, it is becoming clearer that extending the aging Collins class into the 2040s may not be the best solution.Links:Boeing reveals advanced Ghost Bat capabilitieshttps://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/boeing-reveals-advanced-ghost-bat-capabilitiesBoeing German MQ-28 Ghost Bat team expandedhttps://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/boeing-german-mq-28-ghost-bat-team-expandedPMB Defence and TKMS partner on Canadian submarine bidhttps://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/pmb-defence-and-tkms-partner-on-canadian-submarine-bidBritish Defence Secretary quitshttps://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-11/richard-marles-blindsided-after-uk-counterpart-john-healey-quits/106788486https://www.news.com.au/world/europe/uk-politics/british-defence-secretary-resigns-hours-before-aukus-media-event-with-defence-minister-richard-marles/news-story/28f300c3acdd4174cc516e5b6c288a04Submarines sail troubled watershttps://www.australiandefence.com.au/defence/sea/submarines-sail-troubled-watersANAO report on Collins LOTEhttps://www.anao.gov.au/work/performance-audit/defences-collins-class-submarines-life-of-type-extension-planning-and-implementation------------------The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via defmag@yaffa.com.au to get involved.ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence.For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan.Hosted by Grant McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherAustralian Defence Magazine - © 2026

This episode is a compilation of interviews we recorded at the Indian Ocean Defence and Security 2026 event held in Perth in May. During the show, Kirra and Grant were able to catch up with Senator James Paterson, then Grant recorded a number of interviews with Ocius, Greenroom Robotics, Hyperion, Ausco Group, GlenAir, and Quantum Systems Australia. We hope you enjoy this compilation of content from IODS 2026.=—-=Senator James Paterson confirms his advocacy for AUKUS and recommends that a supplementary capability be established in place of Collins LOTE to bridge the gap to obtaining nuclear submarines. He also notes his concerns about transparency within the Integrated Investment Plan (IIP), and contrasting government versus private finance roles in sustaining critical infrastructure. He also discusses the proposed retirement of the C-27J Spartan aircraft and calls for thorough evaluation before retiring established non-combat capabilities.=—-=We then explore Robert Dane's review of Bluebottle technology development, the company's collaboration with the RAN and their 24/7 deployment from Darwin monitoring northern approaches. We also discuss renewable energy benefits, including minimal mobilization costs due to rechargeable batteries at sea, current vessel deployments averaging two and a half months each, and future developments for Ocius' autonomous systems capabilities.=—-=Next up, we talk with Harry Hubbert of Greenroom Robotics to discuss the company's rapid scaling across multiple countries, collaborations with SMEs like Hyperion Systems, and their focus on providing intelligence for 3D printed vessels using containerized tech to reduce costs and supply chain risks. We then look at addressing vulnerabilities being raised by the current Hormuz situation through the addition of autonomous capabilities to existing vessels for logistics support before discussing the new people who have joined the company and contemplating all that may be announced before or at Land Forces later this year.=—-=Following on from Greenroom, we talk with Josh Wigley from Hyperion about their Astra platform of boats that are built using additive manufacturing and including Greenroom Robotics' autonomy systems. Josh outlines the comapny's three-pillar approach (machines, products, feedstock) and how they are leveraging 3D printing to rapidly build flexible boats addressing supply chain needs in Australia via local material recycling and micro-factory deployment. We consider the benefits HDPE material provides for boat hulls compared to traditional materials, leading to a discussion of Hyperion's own materials testing lab for certification (AMSA) and how the company is actively raising capital.=—-=Keeping to the Maritime focus, Alex Murphy outlines his role at Ausco Group and the organisation's maritime autonomous systems, exploring their background (Ausco Marine & Products), key products like Gannett Dive LRX launch/recovery system, AMAS intelligent buoy for surface-based ISR and seabed sensors, sea-floor battery systems enabling underwater operation without surface power, and assessing the capabilities of these technologies in defence.=—-=Next up, we talk with Greg Cameron about Glenair's role in defence/aerospace connectors, their high-reliability expertise, and their engineering philosophy driving reliability across diverse applications like military vehicles and soldier kits. Specific product examples are discussed including power/data hubs and vehicle-mounted systems, before we move on to ensuring performance standards via an independent test lab, and look at future directions and their Australian based team.=—-=We wrap the episode chatting with Sam Jessep of Quantum Systems Australia about the company's background, how the Ukrainian war has driven growth, and its focus on governmental applications. We discuss their range of UAS aircraft including the Vector, the tail-sitting Twister, the Reliant, and also their Mosaic software for sensor fusion.Links:Indian Ocean Defence & Security Conference & Exhibitionhttps://iods.com.au/Senator James Patersonhttps://www.senatorpaterson.com.au/Ocius' Bluebottle platformhttps://www.ocius.com.au/usv/#overviewGreenroom Roboticshttps://greenroomrobotics.com/Hyperion Systemshttps://www.hyperionsystems.com.au/Ausco Grouphttps://auscogroup.com.au/GlenAirhttps://www.glenair.com/Quantum Systems Australiahttps://quantum-systems.com/au/------------------The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via defmag@yaffa.com.au to get involved.ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence.For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan.Hosted by Grant McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherAustralian Defence Magazine - © 2026

In this News Review episode, Grant McHerron, Ewen Levick and Kirra Davey review and discuss some of the news of interest that's occurred recently in the world of Defence.We start by welcoming back Ewen and noting that in the eight weeks or so that he's been away the Strait of Hormuz remains closed with the US Navy unable to re-open it. We look at what this means for military engagements going forward, and the issues associated with keeping the very important sea lanes open in the straits to our North. The Middle East situation and the recent Venezuelan raid demonstrate that the US military is tactically incredible and practically unbeatable, but it doesn't seem to have the political force required to win the war overall. We finish the Hormuz review by observing that many apabilities that were previously being demonstrated and tested are now combat proven.Next up, Kirra attended the recent Axon Tech Summit in Sydney which focused on the use of rones and counter-UAS systems for public safety, while Grant attended the opening of Corvus Technology Solutions' new factory in Melbourne, catching up with Minister Collin Brooks who has now taken on the role of Victoria's first Defence Industry Minister. So far it seems that WA, SA & VIC are the states with ministerial portfolios for Defence.Sentinel Boats have sold their 830R-SPOL to the ADF's Special Operations Forces, which is great to see them achieve a military sale in Australia in addition to their contact with the NZDF. Kirra recounts her experience with the 830R during a demo on Sydney Harbour prior to IndoPac 2026.We wrap the episode by looking at the Collins Class submarine Life Of Type Extension program's scope changing yet again, with $11 billion allocated towards keeping the boats operational into the 2040s. Given they were delivered in the 90s and due to be retired in the 20s, this begs the question of whether they can be kept operational and effective for another 20 years. This highlights the lack of "Plan B" for AUKUS and perhaps it's time for some political leadership to demand a bridging capability, much as occurred when the Super Hornets were ordered to bridge the gap to the RAAF's F-35s arriving and becoming operational.Links:Sentinel Boats wins Special Operations RHIB contracthttps://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/sentinel-boats-wins-special-operations-rhib-contractCollins receives life of type extensionhttps://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/collins-receives-life-of-type-extension------------------The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via defmag@yaffa.com.au to get involved.ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence.For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan.Hosted by Grant McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherAustralian Defence Magazine - © 2026

For this episode, Grant McHerron went to Arkeus' office in Melbourne to meet with Simon Owen, the company's co-founder and CEO. Their discussion covers Arkeus, their technology, their contracts here and abroad, and their latest news regarding funding and expansion.We start with a discussion of the inspiration behind Arkeus and the company's history to date, which then leads into a description of their "Hyperspectral optical radar systems," their method of operation, their size, weight and power, and the drones the systems are currently operating with. We also learn how much of these systems is being produced in Australia versus sourced from overseas and the level of attention Arkeus has given to component sourcing and tracing.The conversation then moves on to Arkeus' engagement with the Australian Army, their contracts with the United States Department of War, and their other clients and markets. Simon gives us an overview of the efforts taken to break into the US market, which then leads to how the company has been funded to date.We wrap with the news of Arkeus' latest funding round and the company's plans for expansion in Australia and the USA, including the announcement today of a new advanced manufacturing capability in Queensland.Links:Arkeus: https://arkeus.comThe image used for this episode's artwork was supplied by Insitu Pacific (https://insitupacific.com.au/)------------------The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via defmag@yaffa.com.au to get involved.ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence.For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan.Hosted by Grant McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherAustralian Defence Magazine - © 2026

In this News Review episode, Grant McHerron and Kirra Davey review and discuss some of the news of interest that's occurred recently in the world of Defence.We start with traffic still not clearing the Hormuz Strait and the implications it has for farmers, fuel reserves and Defence capability. Fortunately the NDS & IIP are calling out improvements to our on-shore fuel storage.Next up we congratulate SYPAQ Sustems' Corvo X small UAS entering into service, including on-going innovation and updates being included in the sustainment agreement. From there we look at the Land 8113 Phase 2 announcement for land based maritime strike going to Lockheed Martin with HiMARS and PrSM Increment 2, despite that missile not being in production as yet. We note that we already have HiMARS with GMLRS and have an agreement with the USA to assist with PrSM development and local production. That said, the question must be asked about why Kongsberg's StrikeMaster wasn't selected given Bushmasters are already produced in Australia and the NSM will be in production here from early 2027.We wrap by looking at the recent announcement of the government signing an agreement with Northrup Grumman towards establishing a sovereign Solid Rocket Motor production facility in Australia. It's targeting the early 2030s for production but is starting with exploration, discussions and clarification of potential requirements and processes. The announcement noted this would build on DSTG's Australian designed and built DRACO SRM which was static fired at Woomera in Feb, bringing NG's 70+ years of SRM experience while also including collaboration with Australian companies DefendTex, Black Sky Industries and Anduril Australia to “explore their novel manufacturing methods.”Links:SYPAQ Systems Corvo X enters into servicehttps://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/sypaq-systems-corvo-x-enters-into-serviceLand 8113 Phase 2 goes to Lockheed Martin and PrSMhttps://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/lockheed-martin-welcomes-land-8113https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/lockheed-martin-wins-land-8113Government signs agreement with Northrop Grumman towards establishing sovereign Solid Rocket Motor productionhttps://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/northrop-grumman-to-help-srm-manufacturinghttps://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/australia-to-establish-solid-rocket-motor-production------------------The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via defmag@yaffa.com.au to get involved.ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence.For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan.Hosted by Grant McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherAustralian Defence Magazine - © 2026

Ewen Levick and Nigel Pittaway discuss Boeing's MQ-28 Ghost Bat, the first aircraft designed and built in Australia in over 50 years. Originally referred to as the Boeing Airpower Teaming System under the Loyal Wingman Advanced Development Program, the first flight of the uncrewed system was on 27th February 2021 and it was officially named the MQ-28A Ghost Bat on 21st March 2022.Following a summary of the product's history, we then look at the differences between the Block 1, 2 & 3 versions, and the reporting by some media that Ghost Bat wouldn't be armed. The discussion also covers Boeing's new production facility at Wellcamp airport, the project's transition from DEF6014 to AIR6015, the likely number being produced and the importance of having combat mass.We also talk about Exercise Carlsbad where the Ghost Bat was exercised through a series of trials that culminated in a missile shoot against a target drone, including a look at relative lack of commands required to generate the flight and missile shot, We wrap up by noting the proliferation of Collaborative Combat Aircraft programs, how a crowded market could be a good thing, and why it may be that we're seeing more autonomy activity in the air and sea domains than on land.Links:Boeing's Ghost Bat proves operational viabilitywww.australiandefence.com.au/defence/air/boeing-s-ghost-bat-proves-operational-viabilityGhost Bat fires a live AMRAAMwww.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/ghost-bat-fires-a-live-amraamWikipedia entry on Ghost Baten.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_MQ-28_Ghost_Bat------------------The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via defmag@yaffa.com.au to get involved.ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence.For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan.Hosted by Grant McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherAustralian Defence Magazine - © 2026

In this episode we present audio from the Women in Defence Network's breakfast session held at Indo-Pacific 2025 that was hosted by AtkinsRéalis and supported by Women in Nuclear Australia and Women’s Defence Connection. The session explored the theme of 125 years of the Royal Australian Navy: legacy, leadership, and a nuclear-propelled future.Beth Fitzpatrick, AtkinsRéalis' Defence Consulting Lead for Australia, confirms the importance to AtkinsRéalis of sponsoring the event and introduces our speakers, Commander Kathryn Jones of the Royal Australian Navy followed by Pamela Naidoo-Ameglio from Exige. The morning examined the evolution of women’s service in the RAN, the leadership required to sustain meaningful progress, and the cultural and workforce foundations needed to support Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine capability.Links:AtkinsRéaliswww.atkinsrealis.comADM Women in Defence and National Security Breakfast – Indo-Pac hosted by AtkinsRéalisadmwomenindefencenetwork.com.au/event/adm-women-in-defence-and-national-security-breakfast-indo-pac-hosted-by-atkinsrealis------------------The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via defmag@yaffa.com.au to get involved.ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence.For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan.Hosted by Grant McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherAustralian Defence Magazine - © 2025