Defence Connect Podcast Network

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Shane Acorn and Daniel Pace, co-founders of the Invicta Prospects Group, to discuss their new Buddy Suite AI solutions platform. The trio begins the podcast discussing Acorn and Pace’s service in the RAN as clearance divers and how the pair initially developed the concept of the Buddy Suite to enhance their SOCOM training through digitisation and AI. The podcast continues by looking into how the solution provides training and employee management services across four key service areas: dive, range, bomb and jump – and how working with the Defence Innovation Hub and Macquarie University Incubator has helped to build a more mature and integrable product. The trio wraps up the podcast discussing Acorn and Pace’s recent trip to promote the product in the United States, their selection for the Hacking 4 Allies program as well as future growth on the horizon. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Major General (Ret’d) Mick Ryan joins hosts Major General (Ret’d) Marcus Thompson and Phil Tarrant to discuss the recent conflict in Ukraine, modern security and the worsening geopolitical situation. Ryan begins the podcast by providing an analysis into the ongoing War in Ukraine, drawing two conclusions that the recent conflict has reaffirmed: the importance of realistic strategy, and that strategies must be based on tested assumptions. He then explains that Russia cannot win the conflict, meaning that their best outcome is to bring the war to an end in the medium term. Both Ryan and Thompson then analyse the marriage between information and warfare, and how the Ukrainians have seemingly implemented Gerasimov’s notion of hybrid warfare better than the Russian military. The conversation continues, with Ryan outlining the essential takeaways for Western governments from the recent conflict, including the importance of the integration of military and national power and the reaffirmed importance of joint domain capabilities including cyber. The trio wraps up the podcast by analysing the recent geopolitical vicissitudes in the Asia-Pacific – including an analysis on China’s Taiwan ambitions and the impact of China’s arrangements with the Solomon Islands. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, hosts Charbel Kadib and Liam Garman unpack the latest in defence industry news and geopolitics. The pair begins the podcast discussing the government’s recent decision to increase the number of Ghost Bat units procured, as well as the announcement that Australia would send yet further Bushmasters to Ukraine. The podcast then continues with an analysis into the recent Lebanese election, and how the election will change the balance of power in Lebanon. The pair wraps up the podcast analysing the German government’s recent policy responses toward Russia. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Hosts MAJGEN (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson and Phil Tarrant highlight the need for cyber security awareness across the banking and finance sector. The pair begin by issuing a warning over the spike in malicious cyber activity from Russian actors following the Commonwealth government’s decision to impose sanctions on the country in response to its invasion of Ukraine. MAJGEN Thompson and Tarrant go on to discuss their contributions to strengthening cyber security awareness across the country, with the pair touring Australia to help inform the banking and finance community at The Adviser’s Better Business Summit 2022. The hosts stress the importance of building cyber resilience in the sector, which they agree should be treated as critical infrastructure. Finally, the pair explain how public policy and government-backed institutions can better equip organisations with the tools to combat cyber threats. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team.

News editor of Defence Connect, Charbel Kadib, and journalist, Nastasha Tupas, delve into the latest developments across defence industry and geopolitics.   The pair begin by recapping their experiences and highlights at the 2022 Indo-Pacific International Maritime Exposition in Sydney.   Kadib and Tupas discuss some of the key news items announced during the three-day exhibition, held at the International Convention Centre.     The journalists then unpack the biggest news stories over the past few weeks, which include Australia’s plans to acquire MH-60R Romeo and AH-64 Apache helicopters, as well as an update to the SEA129 Phase 5 program and a new autonomous sub-surface vehicle program.     The pair conclude by discussing the current federal election campaign and the latest geopolitical developments in the region.   Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Lockheed Martin Australia’s Neale Prescott and Rob Milligan join host Liam Garman to unpack the company’s revolutionary Aegis combat weapons system. The podcast begins with an analysis into how Aegis operates as the “brain” of the Royal Australian Navy’s integrated air and missile defence system, and how the upcoming Baseline 9 will provide further cutting edge capabilities to the Royal Australian Navy. The trio then analyses how the system builds a comprehensive 3D map of the threat environment below, on and above the sea – and how the architecture enables the Royal Australian Navy to integrate with Australia’s allies to build a single battlefield picture. The podcast wraps up with a discussion of how the Aegis has been able to intercept a series of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), and what other exciting innovations are on the horizon for the weapons system. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Brad Yelland, executive director engineering & technology at Babcock Australasia, joins host Liam Garman to discuss how the company is building a stronger and more resilient ADF. The podcast begins with a discussion regarding Babcock's plans for strengthening maritime capabilities in Australia, New Zealand and the Asia Pacific - and how they have harnessed their international expertise while committing to developing a network of local SMEs - to make Australia a regional maritime hub. The pair continue by analysing the company's recent growth, including their acquisition of the remaining 50 per cent of Naval Ship Management (NSM) and their seven an a half year Maritime Fleet Sustainment Service strategic partnership with the New Zealand Defence Force. The podcast wraps up discussing the company's ambitions for the region - including using their expertise in submarine technology to support the development of an Australian nuclear-powered submarine capability and supporting the development of the Babcock Arrowhead 140 frigate for the Indonesian Navy. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

Welcome to the inaugural Defence Connect Spotlight podcast. In this series, we aim to shine a spotlight on those businesses and individuals who are building a stronger and more resilient defence industry and ADF. In this episode, Gareth Evans, managing director of Rohde & Schwarz Australia joins host and editor of Defence Connect Liam Garman to discuss the company’s exciting new partnership with BAE Systems Australia and their role as the communications systems integrator of choice for the Royal Australian Navy. The pair begins by discussing Rohde & Schwarz Australia’s 40-year pedigree in communications systems including some of their historical highlights, before diving into their new mission to design and deliver communications systems for the Hunter Class frigate. The podcast then continues with an analysis into the work which the company is doing in other military domains, as well as in the civilian world. The pair wraps up by discussing how Rohde & Schwarz Australia is building their sovereign industry capability including their AIC base in Hunter, and how they are recruiting to support future and current projects in support of the ADF. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Hosts Major General (Ret’d) Marcus Thompson and Phil Tarrant unpack the latest in cyber security policy, and how cyber is shaping up to become an election issue. The pair begins by analysing the impact of the recent Solomon Islands-China agreement on Australian security, assessing the government and opposition’s policies around cyber security including Project REDSPICE. The podcast continues with an analysis into whether these policies are achievable in their stated time frame, casting doubt on whether there is a sufficient flow of cyber security graduates to fill a large-scale expansion in the cyber security industry. The pair wraps up by discussing the latest cyber security news, including recent data showing a fourfold increase in phishing attacks while Phil Tarrant shares insight on how his team seeks to continuously improve their cyber security protocols. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

In 2018, Matthew “Matty” Brumby co-captained the Australian team at the Invictus Games held in Sydney. Four years since leading the Aussies, Matty is still a massive supporter of Invictus Australia’s essential work. The Navy veteran shared his lived experience of trials, tribulations and triumphs with Defence Connect journalist Nastasha Tupas. Originally from Devonport, Tasmania, Matty joined the Navy in 1994 right after finishing high school and spent some time on board HMAS Newcastle and HMAS Brisbane as a steward. While undertaking selection to be a Navy clearance diver, he collapsed on the beach in 2000, and he was then diagnosed with a syrinx, a fluid-filled cavity in his spinal cord that had paralysed him from just below the chest down. After suffering the life-changing injury that cut his Navy career short, Matty has had a great run as a sportsman. He is an Invictus Games gold medallist and added these wins under his belt – Ironman World Champion and Half Ironman World Champion. As a motivational speaker, he advocates for the benefits sports provides for the mind, body and spirit. Connecting with like-minded people and building a support network has been a big part of Matty’s rehabilitation. His strong support network includes Willow, a six-year-old chocolate Labrador whom he met at the Invictus Games in 2018 through Integra. Willow assists him in competing at events around the world. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team