Defence & Security Podcast Network

Host Steve Kuper is joined by former navy logistician Dave Grosvenor and chair of the Gravity Group Steve Hayes for a wide-ranging discussion on Australia's sovereign capability, industrial resilience and the growing gap between strategic risk and national preparedness in this episode of the Contested Ground podcast. The conversation opens with a blunt assessment of Australia's strategic vulnerability, with the argument that it is no longer theoretical but "empirically established" through a growing body of evidence. The panel examines what concrete indicators – ranging from supply chain fragility to operational dependence on external partners – most clearly demonstrate this exposure, and why existing frameworks such as the Defence Strategic Review did not go far enough in diagnosing the scale of the challenge. A key theme is urgency. The guests argue that incremental reform and repeated reviews are insufficient, making a comprehensive national audit of sovereign capability essential now rather than later. They explore how wargaming outcomes and scenario analysis increasingly point to Australia's limited resilience in the face of prolonged disruption, particularly across critical supply chains and industrial dependencies. The discussion then turns to the structural limits of market-driven solutions. The panel outlines how market failures, foreign subsidies and competing international industrial strategies distort outcomes for Australian industry. They also unpack the "theory of the second best" in practical policy terms, arguing that partial reforms in a distorted global system can sometimes worsen outcomes rather than improve them. The debate extends to the real-world cost of inaction, framed not just in economic terms but in strategic and operational risk. Attention shifts to what a national audit would need to deliver, including whole-of-government visibility, cross-sector integration and measurable outcomes rather than another cyclical report. The guests stress the importance of avoiding bureaucratic capture and ensuring the process translates into actionable reform rather than analysis paralysis. The conversation then explores the policy tools available to government, including long-term procurement, sovereign industry funds, and strategic industrial zones. Particular focus is given to the most under-utilised levers in Australia's current policy toolkit and the skills gaps that continue to undermine sovereign capability ambitions. International comparisons feature prominently, with the Republic of Korea highlighted as the most relevant model for Australia. The panel discusses Korea's long-term policy consistency, export-driven industrial strategy and state-enabled industrial scaling while questioning how much of that approach is realistically transferable to the Australian context. Institutional reform is another focal point, with discussion of proposals for a dedicated Ministry of Sovereign Industry. The guests examine how such an institution might interact with Defence, Treasury and industry departments, and whether Australia can maintain continuity of strategy across electoral cycles without a dedicated anchor for sovereign capability policy. The episode also addresses public trust and communication challenges, emphasising the need for transparency in how sovereign risk is communicated to avoid unnecessary alarm while strengthening social cohesion and democratic engagement. Finally, the panel considers implementation realities – what can be achieved within a single parliamentary term, how bipartisan consensus might be built, and the respective roles of states, territories and private capital in delivering large-scale industrial transformation. In closing, the discussion returns to first principles: what motivated the push for a national audit, how lived experience in procurement and logistics shapes the analysis, and what success would look like for Australia if it meaningfully closes its sovereign capability gap over the next decade. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

How can Australia strengthen sovereign industrial capability while building a sustainable and globally competitive defence manufacturing sector? In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Philippe Odouard, former CEO of XTEK (now HighCom) and Quickstep, alongside David McLaughlin, co-founder and chief technology officer of 3D scanning technology company Bodd. Odouard brings extensive experience across Australian and international defence manufacturing, including leadership roles in aerospace, body armour production and major defence capability programs. McLaughlin brings experience in innovative advanced body scanning, equipment fitting and human performance data systems with applications across defence and commercial sectors. The podcast conversation includes the following topics: Industry perspectives on the National Defence Strategy 2026 and whether sovereign capability ambitions are being matched by procurement reform. Lessons from Australian defence industry success stories, such as F-35 supply chain participation, protected mobility vehicles and guided weapons manufacturing. The commercial realities behind onshore versus offshore manufacturing decisions and why Australian companies expand into international markets. How dual-use technologies are helping defence SMEs survive long procurement cycles and diversify revenue streams. Debate surrounding local content requirements, sovereign industrial policy and government willingness to support emerging capability. Strategies for Australian companies seeking entry into US and allied defence supply chains. Finally, the discussion wraps up by examining what policymakers can do immediately to support innovation, strengthen industrial resilience and ensure Australian defence capability is translated into long-term sovereign outcomes. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

How is artificial intelligence changing the world of modern defence operations, cyber security and military decision making? In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Palo Alto Networks' Tom Scully, director and principal architect for government and critical industries Asia-Pacific and Japan, and US Army Major General (Ret'd) John Davis, vice president of public sector. The discussion explores how AI is accelerating change across defence and cyber operations, from autonomous systems and edge computing through to intelligence, trust and decision making. Scully and Davis also examine the growing role of commercial innovation in national security and the need to secure AI-enabled capabilities from the outset. The podcast conversation includes the following topics: The growing use of AI, autonomy and edge computing in defence operations. How cyber threats are evolving through AI-enabled speed, scale and sophistication. Why governments are increasingly adopting commercial technology and industry innovation. The importance of identity, zero trust and secure AI-by-design frameworks. Challenges around trust, governance and human oversight in AI-enabled decision making. The role of public-private partnerships in strengthening cyber resilience. Finally, the conversation examines how defence leaders can prepare for the next generation of conflict while ensuring AI remains secure, trusted and operationally effective. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Spotlight team

ThreatLocker's APAC director of operations, Emile Barakat, joins Cyber Daily's David Hollingworth to discuss what makes the Essential Eight so essential, the federal government's budget spend on cyber security, and the Australian outlook on cyber crime and why it happens here. This week on the Cyber Uncut podcast, Cyber Daily deputy editor David Hollingworth speaks with Emile Barakat, the head of cyber security firm ThreatLocker's operations in the Asia-Pacific region. ThreatLocker – and its boss, Danny Jenkins – is a big fan of Australia's Essential Eight cyber security standard, but what really makes that tick, and why is it so important? The pair discuss just why it's one of the gold standards of cyber protection and why other countries should take note. Then it's time to consider this year's budget and the role of government in securing businesses, economies, and consumers in a world of growing cyber threats. Finally, Hollingworth and Barakat get to grips with the local threat landscape and the human challenges of cyber security. "Typically, an organisation will run security awareness training every quarter. Some will do it less frequently, unfortunately," Barakat says. "Even with that training, you'll see compromises and, at times, the same employees make the same mistakes." Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team

As AUKUS implementation accelerates, questions remain around Australia's role in the Indo-Pacific and how the nation should balance capability development with regional strategic priorities. In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Stephen Kuper, Robert Dougherty and Bethany Alvaro discuss a busy week across Australia's defence landscape, including the establishment of a new US Navy support activity in Perth to support personnel involved in Submarine Rotational Force-West under AUKUS. The discussion explores the significance of the new naval support activity and what it means for the growing American military and defence industry presence in Western Australia. The team also assesses $72 million of investment in a new large-calibre artillery forging facility in Queensland and the importance of expanding domestic ammunition production capacity. Attention then turns to the delivery and testing of the AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzer and the increasing importance of mobile artillery systems. On defence exports, the team discusses Thales' accelerated delivery of Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles to the Netherlands and considers the future evolution of the iconic Australian platform. Rounding out the episode, the panel dives into Australia's ongoing support for Ukraine through Operation Kudu and the debate surrounding Australia's role in maintaining security and stability across the Indo-Pacific. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

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

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

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

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

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

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

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