

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

May 20, 2021 • 50min
INSIGHT: Backing AIC — Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price & shadow minister Matt Keogh
In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price and shadow minister for defence industry Matt Keogh discuss their competing agendas for supporting Australian industry capability. The policymakers begin by outlining their competing platforms, explaining how they plan to support the development of the local defence industry. Minister Price and Keogh then delve into the Commonwealth government’s 2021-22 budget, assessing the adequacy of current funding commitments for defence industry projects. The pair go on to discuss the importance of building Australia’s workforce to ensure long-term support for key defence capabilities across the warfighting domains. Finally, Minister Price and Keogh weigh in on the current geopolitical environment, outlining whether they believe the ADF is sufficiently equipped to manage emerging threats. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

May 13, 2021 • 46min
INSIGHT: Responding to new security challenges – John Blaxland, Professor of International Security and Intelligence Studies, ANU
In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, John Blaxland, Professor of International Security and Intelligence Studies, Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, at the Australian National University, weighs in on Australia’s defence and national security agenda. Professor Blaxland, a veteran of the Australian Army, begins by explaining how he transitioned into a career in academia, and reflects on his latest work. He notes the growing interest in international security education among young Australians, and the value of increased geopolitical awareness in preparing the nation for future challenges. The Army veteran then discusses current and emerging threats to Australia’s peace and security, particularly following the ramp up in grey-zone aggression from China. Professor Blaxland goes on to question whether the ADF is adequately equipped to respond to new and emerging threats, given the changing nature of warfare. The ANU professor concludes by proposing short and long-term recommendations aimed at advancing Australia’s place in the world and establishing an inter-generational security framework. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

May 6, 2021 • 32min
INSIGHT: A blueprint for national resilience — Senator James Paterson
In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senator for Victoria and chair of the parliamentary joint committee on intelligence and security James Paterson discusses the importance of building national resilience amid growing security risks. Senator Paterson begins by outlining his responsibilities as chair of the joint committee on intelligence and security and the role he plays in informing defence and foreign policy. The senator explains why the conversation around national resilience has become “mainstream”, and notes the importance of better informing the broader community about emerging security challenges. He then discusses the future of the Indo-Pacific, and weighs in on the likelihood of kinetic confrontation with China. Senator Paterson goes on to highlight the importance of Australia’s regional and international alliances with specific reference to the evolution of the Quad. Finally, Senator Paterson discusses the federal government’s proposal to introduce new critical infrastructure legislation, designed to ensure businesses that are “systemically important” receive the assistance they need to counter foreign threats. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Apr 29, 2021 • 35min
Strengthening the defence ecosystem — Scott Carpendale, VP and MD of Boeing Defence Australia
In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, vice president and managing director of Boeing Defence Australia, Scott Carpendale, discusses the aerospace company’s ongoing contribution to enhancing defence capability and supporting the growth of local industry. Carpendale begins by discussing his transition into a leadership role following his appointment in 2019, and outlines how he’s sought to ensure BDA remains a “significant player” in Australia’s defence ecosystem. The MD then reflects on the evolution of the local defence industry over the past few decades and BDA’s role in fostering a collaborative spirit between stakeholders to achieve long-term goals. Carpendale goes on to highlight the opportunities around BDA’s pipeline of sustainment and production activity, particularly the Loyal Wingman program, which he says could serve as a model for shaping Australia’s future defence industry strategy. Finally, the managing director outlines BDA’s plan to attract skilled labour and build the company’s local workforce. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Apr 22, 2021 • 44min
INSIGHT: The future of air power with Chief executive of Northrop Grumman Chris Deeble and leading defence science expert Dr Jackie Craig
This edition of the Defence Connect podcast begins by analysing the technological breakthroughs undertaken by Northrop Grumman and the broader industry within the air warfighting domain alongside Chris Deeble, chief executive of Northrop Grumman Australia. Dr Jackie Craig then draws on her scientific expertise and 26 years of service with the Defence Science and Technology Group to unpack how new intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and air fighting capabilities will support the RAAF and broader ADF’s strategic mission. She continues by discussing how the Defence Science and Technology Group was able to broaden existing technologies, in order to make them adaptable to the ADF requirements. The podcast finishes with an analysis of what technology is on the horizon over the next 20 years. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Apr 15, 2021 • 42min
INSIGHT: Building a future-ready workforce — SA Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni
In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, South Australia’s Minister for Innovation and Skills, David Pisoni, discusses his work to build Australian industry capability. Minister Pisoni begins by explaining why he chose to enter state politics following a career as furniture salesman and small business owner. The minister then discusses the South Australian government’s work to stimulate the state economy and drive the recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. Minister Pisoni goes on to outline his portfolio responsibilities, providing insight into his work to build a future-ready workforce. The SA minister highlights the importance of encouraging young Australians to pursue vocational education in a bid to bolster Australian industry capability Finally, Minister Pisoni concludes by discussing South Australia’s role in supporting the nation’s shipbuilding industry, particularly as the home for Defence’s Attack Class submarine and Hunter Class frigate programs. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Apr 8, 2021 • 43min
INSIGHT: Implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on foreign affairs, defence and trade – Senator David Fawcett
In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Senator David Fawcett, chair of joint standing committee on foreign affairs, defence and trade, discusses the government’s newly released report on the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on Australia’s foreign affairs, defence and trade. Senator Fawcett discusses how the report tackles the broad issue of Australian sovereignty in critical national systems, from defence industry through to fuel and finance. The Senator continues to discuss potential frameworks to achieve Australian sovereignty in these critical national systems in order to build national resilience. Senator Fawcett ends by analysing the risks to Australia’s national supply chain from a range of threats, both from allies and adversaries, and the Australia’s necessary next steps. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Apr 1, 2021 • 39min
Discussing the past and future of RAAF after its centenary
This week marked the 100-year anniversary of the RAAF, which culminated in one of the most ambitious flypasts attempted in years. And a special occasion demands a special podcast. This week, host Phil Tarrant brings together Australian Aviation’s Adam Thorn and Defence Connect’s Liam Garman to discuss the past, present and future of our Air Force. The team analyses how well equipped the RAAF is to deal with an uncertain period in the Indo-Pacific region, the government’s huge investment in the larger ADF and whether we’re likely to have a Royal Australian Space and Cyber Force in years to come. Finally, the three discuss a very significant tribute from the Queen, who made a rare COVID appearance to celebrate the centenary. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Mar 25, 2021 • 48min
INSIGHT: Examining the relationship between Defence and civil society — Major Cate Carter from the Australian Defence College
In this episode of the Defence Insight Podcast, Major Cate Carter, course designer, Centre for Defence Leadership and Ethics at the Australian Defence College, joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss findings from her research into the relationship between Defence and the broader community. MAJ Carter begins by discussing her career in the Australian Army, explaining how her deployment in East Timor influenced her decision to forge a new path in academia. The academic highlights the importance of building a scholarly community within the ADF, to help better inform future decision making. MAJ Carter then goes on to discuss findings from her doctoral thesis, which explores the cultural characteristics of the Australian civil/military relationship. Finally, she explains how learnings from her research can be applied to bridge the gap between the military and the civil space. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Mar 18, 2021 • 53min
INSIGHT: Proposing an alternative plan for Defence — Meryl Swanson, shadow assistant minister for defence
In this episode of the Defence Insight Podcast, Meryl Swanson, shadow assistant defence minister and federal member for Paterson, joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss the Labor opposition’s plan for Defence and defence industry. Swanson begins by explaining why she chose to pursue a career in politics after years in the media, and how she secured a leadership role in the Defence portfolio. The shadow assistant minister weighs in on the SEA 1000 program, and stresses the need for a clearer framework to ensure delivery of the Attack Class submarines aligns with the nation’s strategic agenda. Swanson then goes on to outline the Labor opposition’s broader plan to enhance capability by boosting defence spending as a proportion of GDP and further developing sovereign industrial capability. The MP concludes by noting the importance of encouraging more Australians to forge careers in Defence and defence industry, to ensure the next generation of platforms are equipped to meet the nation’s national security objectives. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team