Australian Defence Magazine Podcast

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

Grant McHerron and Nigel Pittaway discuss their views on day two of the Singapore Airshow 2026 where the crowds are even bigger, potentially the most crowded Nigel's ever seen it and this is the 10th one he's attended.Grant's caught up with Ondas about their ground and low-altitude defence system of systems, plus had a tour of Embraer's KC-390 after an update with their Defence team. Airbus Defence & Space provided a media briefing where they announced the MRTT Automated Air-to-Air Refuelling (A3R) has been fully certified by the RSAF, something the RAAF is very interested in.They also spoke about the MRTT+ which is based on the A330 NEO but confirmed that they're still selling conversions of second hand airframes if the right ones with sufficient remaining cycles can be found. They also talked about the progression of their Smart Tanker concept with enhancements to the MRTT's communications relay capabilities and Manned/Unmanned Teaming base station capabilities to control Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs).There's also updates about the A400M with Indonesia receiving their first aircraft, then Grant caught up with Textron regarding their multi-mission and specialist mission aircraft, ranging from King Airs to Citations and also potential configurations for the new Denali Single Engine Turboprop and SkyCourier twin.Links:Singapore Airshow Coveragewww.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/singapore-airshow-2026------------------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 collects a number of interviews recorded at the Indo Pacific 2025 event held in Sydney at the start of November. We start by speaking to Dr Shane Arnott, Chief Engineer at Anduril Industries, about the success of their Ghost Shark unmanned submarine program which has a $170 million contract with the RAN. We also discuss the strategic shift towards unmanned systems for naval operations, and the considerable adoption of such submarines by the Royal Australian Navy. We examine other maritime approaches by Anduril, like its Copperhead (small diameter undersea robot) and Sea Bed Century (subsea sensors), designed to network underwater assets effectively despite challenging communications conditions. We close with an assessment of the immense technological challenge of subsea autonomy compared to other domains and Anduril's approach of rapid iteration through early field testing, rather than relying solely on simulation=—-=Next up, Grant talks with Antony Penn, Chief Commercial Officer at Exail Robotics. discussing Exail Robotics' long history in mine countermeasures, dating back to its origins as ECA Group in the 1930s. We assess their development of the PAP system for demining and how it became a reference solution. Antony then reviews the company's current autonomous systems designed to detect, classify, identify, and neutralize underwater threats efficiently.=—-=Finally, Grant speaks with Sam Abbott, Head of Research & Development at Austal Australia, and Harry Hubbert, Chief Operations Officer and Director at Greenroom Robotics, about Austal Australia's collaboration with Greenroom Robotics on autonomous patrol boats. We delve into their Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial (PBAT), which repurposed a decommissioned vessel that operated autonomously for four days across 700 nautical miles of the WA coast without human intervention. We wrap up by assessing how this partnership is bringing autonomy capabilities to maritime platforms like patrol boats and potentially Border Force vessels.Links:Andurilwww.anduril.comExail Robotics' Mine Countermeasureswww.exail.com/product-range/umis-unmanned-mcm-mine-countermeasure-integrated-systemAustalwww.austal.comGreenroom Roboticsgreenroomrobotics.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 - © 2025

In this episode, Grant McHerron talks with Nick Ross, Head of Defence for Pexip, about their secure video collaboration software platform.We begin our discussion by exploring Pexip’s background specializing in video collaboration software for interoperability and security and its mission to provide communication tools irrespective of technology or security level. The conversation then delves into Pexip's focus on connecting diverse platforms and supporting self-hosted secure deployment. We learn about its partnerships with Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Nvidia to deliver AI features like language translation in meetings, and emphasize the importance of controlling data within firewalls in a defence context.We wrap up by discussing future plans: expanding into tactical environments, leveraging new satellite connectivity with Project Kuiper, and enabling secure collaboration across the defense supply chain.Links:Pexip Secure Video Communicationswww.pexip.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 - © 2025

This episode collects a number of interviews recorded at the Indo Pacific 2025 event held in Sydney at the start of November. Starting with William Egan, Senior Vice President - Sales & Marketing at Teledyne Marine, covering the company's water gliders, which are designed for long duration deep ocean travel, as per their Sentinel Mission circumnavigating the world. We then assess their modular design that allows changing sensor packs for various missions like surveying and surveillance, and review the importance of seabed mapping and projects such as Seabed 2030, which highlights how these technologies enable discovery of new marine species and support safe submarine operations with forward-looking sonars.=—-=Next up are John Eva, Senior Director - Sales & BD Asia Pacific, and Nathan Grove, Director APAC BD & Sales, both with Teledyne FLIR Defense. Our discussion reviews the company's advancements in forward-looking infrared technology for various platforms, including drones and vessels. We explore how AI enhances sensor feeds for threat detection and classification, reducing cognitive load on operators while improving situational awareness across different missions.We wrap up by assessing their ecosystem approach of partnering with competitors under open system architecture to support integration efforts globally. The discussion highlights strong market opportunities in Australia and the Asia Pacific region, including Southeast Asia due to ongoing conflicts, and emphasizes their role in AUKUS partnerships for interoperability.=—-=We then get an update from John Fry, Managing Director of Kongsberg Defence Australia. Our discussion explores Kongsberg Defence Australia's current activities surrounding the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and Joint Strike Missile programs. We discuss the recent Australian-made certification for NSM launchers, along with progress on the new missile fabrication environment under construction at Newcastle airport, highlighting its complexity compared to a warehouse and its forecast for local build of NSM and JSM commencing in early 2027. We wrap up by assessing the recent successful test firing of StikeMaster in Norway using a Bushmaster platform to launch an NSM blast test vehicle, and potential export opportunities for missiles made in Australia.=—-=On the Leidos stand we receive an update from Vice Admiral (Rt’d) Frank Pandolfe, Vice President and Strategic Account Executive for the Navy and Marine Corps, and Kevin “Q” Quarderer, Director Science and Technology. Our discussion explores Leidos' approach to autonomous systems in the maritime environment, including their long-term work with unmanned vessels like Seahawk and Seahunter for the Navy and partners. We then assess how they are developing a common operating architecture for different vessel scales, emphasizing modular open systems for plug-and-play capabilities, before reviewing lessons learned on training humans to use and maintain these technologies effectively, and the deterrence effect of autonomous systems from operational insights in Ukraine where low-cost unmanned platforms complicate adversary decision-making.=—-=Wrapping up the episode is Sam Vye, CEO & Founder of SYOS Aerospace regarding the company's range of autonomous unmanned vehicles covering the air, land, sea, and subsurface domains, which focus on providing industry leading capability at an affordable price point. We explore its modular software approach, the strategic partnership with Starboard Maritime Intelligence, and expansion into Australia with a focus on providing long term capability development. Link:Sentinel Mission: Redwing Glider Launches Historic Global Ocean Expeditionwww.teledynemarine.com/sentinelmissionTeledyne FLIR Defensedefense.flir.comKongsberg Defence Australiawww.kongsberg.com/kda/Who-we-are/australiaLeidos Autonomous Solutionswww.leidos.com/capabilities/integrated-systems/autonomy-and-autonomous-solutionsSYOS Aerospacesyos-aerospace.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 McHerronEditor: Chris VisscherProducer: Steve VisscherAustralian Defence Magazine - © 2025

In this episode, Grant McHerron talks with Andrew Chapman, Director - Aerospace, and Christopher "Planko" Plain, Business Development & Strategy Manager, at BAE Systems Australia about sustaining the RAAF's F-35 and Hawk aircraft along with supplying Aviation Technical Training in Wagga Wagga.We begin our discussion by reviewing BAE System’s current expansion of facilities to support the F-35,  how Andrew and Christopher’s careers prepared them for their roles, and the modernisation of the Hawks so they can be utilised to train pilots for the F-35. We get an insight into the evolution of the training program, the current methods and equipment being utilised to improve training, and assess the balance between live and synthetic training. Our discussion gives us an insight into how training is continuously improved, the preparation for future technologies such as UAV’s, and the changes seen by pilots in the cockpit.We wrap up with an overview of the Aviation Technical Training Academy and how it is preparing defence personnel to undertake aircraft maintenance and support across the Australian Defence Force.Links:BAE Systems Australiawww.baesystems.com/en-ausBAE Systems Australia's Aviation Serviceswww.baesystems.com/en-aus/what-we-do/airThis episode has been sponsored by BAE Systems.------------------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

In this episode, Grant McHerron, Ewen Levick, Nigel Pittaway, Kirra Davey and Julian Kerr provide their overview of the IndoPac 2025 Day 2 event, where the number of people attending certainly seemed to be much higher than on Day 1, making it even trickier to get around the displays.There were plenty of announcements across the day but the big news was that BAE Systems, Raytheon Australia, General Dynamics Mission Systems and Thales announced the establishment of an AUKUS Collaborative Team to develop a combat system for SSN-AUKUS based on General Dynamics existing AN/BYG-1 system. Julian's attention was caught by Sentinel Boats' large sea boat on display but also learning that one of their craft will be sent to Special Forces next week for evaluation.Kirra spent the day with the WIDN Women's Walk as the group toured the floor helping those new to defence to learn and network. There is another walk organised for a second group tomorrow at IndoPac Day 3.Other topics being raised at the event include the potential vessel to replace the Royal New Zealand Navy's ANZAC Frigate replacement, the implications for Australian industry and ship sustainment from South Korea's nuclear submarine plans, and the future of the Henderson precinct, including the potential for the Commonwealth to take over the entire site. Meanwhile, BAE Systems have a model of their Type 83 concept vessel which is being proposed as a replacement for the UK Navy's Type 45 and Australia's Air Warfare Destroyers.Links:Day Two of Indo-Pacific 2025www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/day-two-of-indo-pacific-2025Four primes propose combat system for SSN-AUKUSwww.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/four-primes-propose-combat-system-for-ssn-aukusWomen in Defence Networkadmwomenindefencenetwork.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 - © 2025