

Defence & Security Podcast Network
Momentum Media
The Defence & Security Podcast Network hosts a unique series of podcasts, featuring discussions with key enablers from across the Australian defence and security 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 & Security 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 & Security Podcast Network and be part of this exciting and innovative 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 & Security 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 & Security Podcast Network and be part of this exciting and innovative industry.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 16, 2021 • 34min
Catching up with Lockheed Martin Australia's newly appointed Chief Executive, Air Marshal (Retired) Warren McDonald AO, CSC
In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Air Marshal (Retired) Warren McDonald AO, CSC. The pair begin by discussing Air Marshal McDonald’s previous role heading up the joint capabilities at the ADF and how he’s bringing his experience to lead Lockheed Martin Australia as the company’s new chief executive. The podcast continues, analysing the new capabilities the Lockheed Martin-built F-35 fleet will bring to the Royal Australian Air Force as four of the fifth-generation jets touched down at their new home in RAAF Base Tindal this month. The pair wrap up the podcast discussing resilience and Air Marshal McDonald’s take on how the defence industry has handled the COVID-19 pandemic. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Dec 13, 2021 • 44min
Building a stronger sovereign defence industry, with Shoal Group founder Shaun Wilson and Lockheed Martin’s Christopher Hess
In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Liam Garman is joined by Shaun Wilson, founder and head of business development at Shoal Group, and Christopher Hess, head of industrial development at Lockheed Martin Australia. The podcast begins with a discussion about the history of Shoal Group and Lockheed Martin Australia’s relationship, and how the pair have supported the Australian defence industry. The trio then provide some feedback for Australian defence SMEs on how they can better enter the defence industry supply chain and collaborate with large defence contractors . The podcast wraps up analysing the current industry climate, what both participants are hearing within the defence industry and what 2022 has in store for Shoal Group and Lockheed Martin Australia. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Dec 13, 2021 • 43min
CYBER SECURITY UNCUT: Responding to cyber threat actors, with Bex Nitert, managing consultant, digital forensics and incident response at ParaFlare
On this episode of Cyber Security Uncut, Bex Nitert, managing consultant, digital forensics and incident response at ParaFlare joins hosts Major General (Ret’d) Marcus Thompson and Phil Tarrant to discuss Australia’s cyber threat response industry. The podcast begins with a discussion between the hosts about a recently passed legislation, dubbed the Magnitsky Act, which seeks to ban human rights abusers, cyber criminals and corrupt officials from entering Australia and giving the commonwealth the opportunity to seize assets. The trio then discusses digital forensics and threat response operations, and how businesses need to be proactive about cyber security to ensure that business functions don’t suffer breaches. The podcast then analyses the skills and requirements for future cyber professionals, including the “art versus science” of intelligence. The trio wraps up by examining how professionals in the cyber industry are able to help build a more secure Australia by collaborating with law enforcement agencies, and discusses profiles of cyber crime actors. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Uncut team

Dec 9, 2021 • 26min
Reshaping the defence estate industry, with Serco Defence’s Clint Thomas and GHD’s Norman Whittaker
Host of the Defence Connect Podcast Phil Tarrant is joined by Clint Thomas, managing director of Serco Defence and Norman Whittaker, infrastructure leader - defence at GHD to discuss the recent memorandum of understanding between the two companies and how they are reshaping the defence estate industry. The podcast begins by examining the background of the recent collaborative agreement between the two companies, and how they hope to expand their offering in the industry. The trio continues by analysing the core deliverables of Serco Defence and GHD, and how both companies are crucial for delivering better services to Australian defence personnel and supporting Australia’s war readiness. The podcast wraps up discussing how bases can improve in line with recommendations from the defence estate industry, and thus continue delivering leading services for the Australian Defence Force and Department of Defence. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Dec 2, 2021 • 33min
Unpacking the latest news and insights in defence
Liam Garman, editor defence and security at Momentum Media, is joined by news editor Charbel Kadib in the studio to unpack the latest news and updates in Australian defence and defence industry. The podcast begins by unpacking the retirement of the Classic Hornet, the recent Coras agreement with ARC and the new Office of Defence Industry Support. The pair then discuss why Australia should invest in B-21 aircraft as part of a burden sharing agreement with the United States, and weigh up whether the Virginia or Astute Class submarines would better suit Australia’s submarine ambitions. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Nov 29, 2021 • 51min
CYBER SECURITY UNCUT: Rising to the cyber challenge— with Narelle Devine CSM, CISO, Asia Pacific at Telstra
In this week’s podcast, Narelle Devine CSM, chief information security officer, Asia Pacific at Telstra, joins hosts MAJ GEN (Ret’d) Marcus Thompson and Phil Tarrant, director defence and security at Momentum media, to discuss cyber security challenges from the perspective of one of the country’s largest telecommunications companies. Devine begins by discussing her transition from decades of service with the Royal Australian Navy to a successful career in the civilian space, supporting cyber security integration across both the public and private sector. Telstra’s CISO then discusses the cyber security challenges facing the globe, noting the spike in malicious activity, particularly the targeting of consumers through mobile communications scams. Devine outlines the strategies employed by stakeholders to counter cyber threats, including direct efforts to curtail criminal actors and broader efforts to bolster resilience across the community. The discussion continues with an analysis of the range of threat vectors, with Devine explaining while ransomware in particular is top of mind for CISOs. The trio then delve into the ongoing challenges associated with building Australia’s cyber workforce, with Devine outlining strategies to retain and attract highly-skilled talent. Finally, Devine explains how Telstra is shaping their strategy to prepare for the future threat environment. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Connect team

Nov 25, 2021 • 30min
Preparing tomorrow's war fighters, with MAJGEN Mick Ryan
In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Major General Mick Ryan, AM, Commander Australian Defence College. The pair begin by discussing MAJGEN Ryan’s tenure as Commander of the Australian Defence College, enhancing Defence’s education continuum from Cadet through to General as well as overcoming the challenges of the recent pandemic. The podcast continues with an analysis of how the Australian Defence Force is preparing its members and future leaders to address the emerging characteristics of war with new curricula that were designed in accordance with Defence’s current and future needs. The pair wrap up the podcast discussing MAJGEN Ryan’s upcoming book, War Transformed, and the impact that ebbs and flows of technological change have on warfare. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Nov 18, 2021 • 35min
Discussing the latest breaking news in Australian defence and defence industry
In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Defence Connect’s editorial staff Liam Garman and Charbel Kadib to analyse the latest news and updates from the defence industry. The trio begin by analysing the latest news in defence industry, from EOS’ new T2000-DE turret to Cobham and CAE Australia’s joint bid for the AIR 5428 program. The podcast continues, examining the recent geopolitical and geostrategic updates from around the world including the crisis in Eastern Europe and the realities of Australia’s submarine program. The trio wrap up the podcast discussing the latest military news, including the commissioning of the HMAS Stalwart, and HMAS Canberra returning to its homeport following a lengthy deployment. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Nov 15, 2021 • 30min
CYBER SECURITY UNCUT: Protecting Australia’s critical infrastructure with Lani Refiti, regional director, ANZ at Claroty
In this week’s podcast, Lani Refiti, regional director, ANZ at Claroty, joins hosts MAJ GEN (Ret’d) Marcus Thompson and Phil Tarrant, director – defence and security at Momentum Media, to discuss securing Australia’s critical infrastructure amid an evolving cyber threat landscape. The podcast begins by analysing the latest news and updates from the cyber security industry, including balancing workforce demands for privacy despite remote work, as well as the latest in a long string of cyber attacks overseas. The trio then dives into analysing Claroty’s core business offering as an industrial cyber security company, focusing on two crucial areas: critical infrastructure and defence industries. The podcast then analyses Claroty’s efforts in protecting Australia’s critical infrastructure from threat actors, and whether the government’s new critical infrastructure bill was sufficient to address the current cyber security threat landscape. Lani then discusses how “black swan” cyber incidents aren’t far-fetched concepts – but growing realities in an increasingly cyber world. The podcast wraps up by analysing Claroty’s ambitious plans in the region including optimising their current service offerings, and how the industry can amplify awareness of the cyber threat environment. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Security Connect team

Nov 11, 2021 • 40min
Examining the Peever Review, with Dr Gregor Ferguson
In this week's podcast, Dr Gregor Ferguson, defence writer, analyst and publisher of EX2, joined Liam Garman, editor defence and security at Momentum Media, to discuss the upcoming Peever review and how to get cutting edge technology into the hands of Australia’s warfighters. The podcast begins by analysing the aims of the review and what efficiencies can be achieved to improve the flow of money into businesses and technology into the ADF. The pair then unpack whether a DARPA model will support greater innovation in Australia's defence industry, looking at the results of public-private partnerships from the US across defence and space sectors. The podcast wraps up with Dr Ferguson identifying some of the key factors that he would like to see uncovered throughout the review, and analyse whether the senior leadership has the palate to undergo swift and thorough improvements in the defence industry and defence technology sectors. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team