SPOTLIGHT: On the front lines of international drone warfare, with Simon Olsen

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Simon Olsen, chief executive officer and co-founder of Arkeus autonomous optical systems, to discuss the changing world of drone warfare and what Australia is trying to achieve in the uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) strategic space.

Olsen, the commercial-savvy CEO of Arkeus, has more than a decade of experience working with autonomous optical systems and the overall defence industry.

Drawing on experience working with the Australian Defence Force, US branches and other international militaries, Olsen starts the podcast with the origins of weaponised drones from their use of optical cameras in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The pair examine the strengths and weaknesses of UAV systems, as well as their use in denied environments and electronic warfare-impacted areas.

Exploring the cost-to-benefit ratio of current drones in Ukraine, Garman and Olsen discuss drones using off-the-shelf technology and their persistent use in military operations.

Olsen shares his experience of working with front-line personnel and its impact on successive contracts with the Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force.

Finally, Olsen reveals the company’s goals for the future, AUKUS and his thoughts on upcoming events shaping the overall defence industry in Australia.

Enjoy the episode, The Defence Connect team