
Defence Connect Podcast Network
The Defence Connect Podcast Network hosts a unique series of podcasts, featuring discussions with key enablers from across the Australian defence industry.
The podcasts provide the perfect blend of business intelligence and insights from a range of guests, which include government officials, ADF personnel, industry stakeholders, and members of the academic community.
By aligning ourselves with the ADF and the Commonwealth government, we are uniquely placed to deliver a dynamic 360° platform that bridges the gap between the customer (Defence) and industry.
We split our focus not just into the traditional sectors of Land (Army), Air (Air Force) and Sea (Navy), but into the six new Capability Streams:
- Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Electronic Warfare and Cyber
- Key Enablers
- Air and Sea Lift
- Maritime and Anti-Submarine Warfare
- Strike and Air Combat
- Land Combat and Amphibious Warfare
As Defence moves to ensure the Force Structure Review and the First Principles Review: Creating One Defence plans are met, Australian industry involvement is critical for mission success.
The Defence Connect Podcast Network will provide you and your business with valuable lessons, tips and insights into the industry, putting your company in the best position to take part in the increased Defence spending.
We’ll cover every aspect of doing business in the defence industry, from the tender process to recruitment, success stories, access points to Defence, smart business strategies, and geopolitical insights.
Subscribe to the Defence Connect network and be part of this exciting and innovative industry.
Latest episodes

Oct 31, 2022 • 32min
CYBER SECURITY UNCUT: Supply chain risk management, with Aaron Pollard from CyberCX and Andrew Robinson from 6clicks
In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Aaron Pollard — managing consultant, protective security at CyberCX — and Andrew Robinson — founder and chief information security officer at 6clicks — unpack supply chain risk management amid an evolving threat environment. Topics discussed include: The fundamentals of supply chain risk management. Learnings from the SolarWinds hack. Securing defence industry supply chains. The importance of investigating the security posture of third-party suppliers before onboarding. Educating the workforce to ensure they’re equipped to identify threats and employ cyber-safe practices. The changing critical infrastructure environment. The next steps for CyberCX and 6clicks. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

Oct 30, 2022 • 33min
SPOTLIGHT: Strengthening Australia’s defence ecosystem, with Jon Hawkins, group CEO of Omni
In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Jon Hawkins, group CEO of Omni, joins editor of Defence Connect Liam Garman to discuss how Australia can strengthen its defence and security posture. Topics discussed include: The growing complexities in the geostrategic environment. The development of Australia’s sovereign industrial capability. Strengthening the global competitiveness of local defence SMEs. Emerging defence technologies and the future of autonomous capability. Bolstering cyber resilience and building secure defence networks. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

Oct 28, 2022 • 21min
SPOTLIGHT: Spruiking the StrikeMaster, with Ben Kelly from Thales Australia and John Fry from Kongsberg
In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Ben Kelly — director, protected vehicles at Thales Australia — and John Fry — general manager at Kongsberg — discuss their joint efforts to develop next-generation, land-based maritime strike capability for the Australian Defence Force. Topics discussed include: Leveraging the tried-and-tested Bushmaster PMV to develop a new mobile strike platform, the StrikeMaster. The evolution of the program, from concept to proposal for LAND 4100 Phase 2. Thales and Kongsberg’s sovereign collaboration and their respective contributions to the project. Features and capabilities of the StrikeMaster, including the range of missile systems. The strategic importance of the capability and its deployment potential. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

Oct 26, 2022 • 32min
SPOTLIGHT: Developing sovereign kit for the ADF, with David Connors and David Frith from Australian Defence Apparel
In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, David Connors — chief technology officer/chief information security officer — and David Frith — Australian industry capability manager — at Australian Defence Apparel (ADA), discuss their work developing critical defence equipment for modern warfighters. Topics covered include: ADA’s broad suite of products for Defence applications. Technological processes underpinning delivery of ADF kit. Balancing design and manufacturing innovation with inventory management. Building a sovereign supply chain in cooperation with local SMEs. ADA’s R&D work and the future of defence gear. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

Oct 25, 2022 • 24min
SPOTLIGHT: Next-gen mine countermeasure capability, with Gavin Henry and Peter Newnham from Thales, and Neil Hodges from BlueZone Group
In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Gavin Henry, business development manager at Thales; Peter Newnham, director of engineering at Thales; and Neil Hodges, co-founder of BlueZone Group, discuss their proposal for the Royal Australian Navy’s SEA 1905 Tranche 1 – Maritime Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Survey program. Topics discussed by the trio include: The progress of Thales’ bid for SEA 1905 Tranche 1. Thales’ sovereign MCM offering and the emergence of autonomous capability. BlueZone Group’s contribution to the SEA 1905 proposal. The importance of interoperability with international partners, leveraging common supply chains. BlueZone Group’s growth ambitions. Enjoy the podcast,The Defence Connect Team

Oct 24, 2022 • 20min
CYBER SECURITY UNCUT: Cyber strategy post-Optus breach, with David Connors, CTO/CISO at Australian Defence Apparel
In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, David Connors, chief technology officer/chief information security officer (CTO/CISO) at Australian Defence Apparel (ADA) joins co-hosts Major General (Ret’d) Marcus Thompson, inaugural head of the Australian Defence Force’s Information Warfare Division, and Phil Tarrant, director – defence and security at Momentum Media, to discuss the importance of shoring up cyber defences in the aftermath of the Optus breach. Topics discussed include: Learnings from the recent Optus breach and ADA’s cyber response. ADA’s cyber resilience strategy and the importance of protecting critical data in the defence space. The benefits of democratising a company’s cyber security posture. The evolving threat landscape and subsequent changes to regulatory frameworks. Challenges Connors has faced during his career in the cyber security industry. ADA’s cyber security testing regime. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

Oct 24, 2022 • 22min
SPOTLIGHT: Enhancing training capability, with David Fallon and Dave Cogdall from Lockheed Martin
In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, David Fallon — business development lead, rotary mission systems at Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand — and Dave Cogdall — business development manager, rotary mission systems at Lockheed Martin’s global business — discuss the changing nature of Army training. Topics discussed in this podcast include: Assessing current Army training practices in Australia. Onshoring tried and tested training capabilities leveraged in the United States. Harnessing emerging technology to improve the training experience. Ensuring training systems are designed to strengthen interoperability. Insights into new systems and technologies offered by Lockheed Martin and its local partners. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

Oct 21, 2022 • 26min
SPOTLIGHT: Sovereign small arms manufacturing, with Matthew Duquemin from Thales and Alexander Knott from Wedgetail Industries
In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Matthew Duquemin (director, integrated weapons and sensors at Thales) and Alexander Knott (director of Wedgetail Industries), discuss the development of Australia’s sovereign small arms design and manufacturing capability. Topics discussed in this podcast include: The history of small arms manufacturing from the Lithgow Arms facility in NSW. Thales’ recent work delivering next-generation capability to the Australian Defence Force. Thales’ partnership with Wedgetail Industries, aimed at developing new sovereign solutions for warfighters. Drivers of innovation in the small arms manufacturing space. Modifications to small arms in response to changing warfighting requirements. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

Oct 20, 2022 • 28min
SPOTLIGHT: Revolutionising textile disposal on the Defence estate, with Craig Patterson and Dale Manley
In this episode of Defence Connect Spotlight, Regional Manager for the National Clothing Store at Ventia, Craig Patterson, and National Contract Manager – Defence at Veolia, Dale Manley, join host Liam Garman to discuss the companies’ revolutionary disposal solution that provides a sustainable solution to end of life disposal for Defence uniforms across Defence bases. With an objective to deliver an environmentally friendly disposal solution to Defence, the trio begin the podcast unpacking how Ventia and Veolia partnered to develop a recycling system that converts textiles to biofuel, having successfully completed their trial across six Defence bases. The podcast continues discussing how the initiative facilitates the secure and safe disposal of high turnover Defence textiles, enabling enhanced and scalable recycling within Defence and diverting 100% of end-of-life uniforms from landfill. The trio wrap up the podcast discussing recent interest from the University of NSW and Catholic Schools NSW to expand the biofuel solution beyond Defence. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

Oct 19, 2022 • 32min
SPOTLIGHT: Building a sovereign defence business, with Sarah Pavillard, CEO of ADROITA
In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Sarah Pavillard, CEO of ADROITA, joins host Phillip Tarrant to discuss the firm’s delivery of engineering, professional services and business strategy consultancy to the defence industry. Topics discussed in this podcast include: ADROITA’s origin story and Pavillard’s transition from the Royal Australian Navy to a career as a business owner in the defence industry. The company’s core services offering and how it helps defence firms build sovereign capability. Managing emerging challenges and business risks. Key changes to business models in the hybrid workplace environment. ADROITA’s plans for the future, including its push to build a global footprint. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team