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.

Play

Open in

62 episodes
Avg 33 min
English

Episodes 62

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

Yesterday · 36 min
SPOTLIGHT: Lockheed Martin Australia's priorities, leadership and life after service, with Jeremy King
How is Lockheed Martin Australia strengthening defence capability, expanding local manufacturing and delivering complex programs for the Australian Defence Force Speaking with Defence Connect news editor Robert Dougherty, Major General (Ret'd) Jeremy King, chief executive of Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand, discusses his transition from senior Defence leadership into industry and the challenges of delivering major capability programs across Australia and New Zealand. The conversation explores Lockheed Martin's growing role in Australia's guided weapons enterprise, including the local assembly and firing of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System missiles and development of domestic production capacity for GMLRS and Precision Strike Missiles. King also discusses collaboration with Australian industry partners on warhead development, testing and the integration of local suppliers into global supply chains. The discussion examines Lockheed Martin's involvement in major Defence programs, including the company's investment in the Air Power Precinct at RAAF Williamtown in NSW. Looking ahead, King discusses the challenges of growing Australia's developing skilled workforces, expanding apprenticeship programs and helping Australian small and medium-sized businesses meet the technical and quality requirements needed to participate in global defence supply chains. He also reflects on the value of his career in the Australian Defence Force and how the experience on both sides of the acquisition process informs his approach to industry leadership. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Spotlight team
Yesterday · 51 min
CYBER UNCUT: Dead internet theory, AI agent guerilla marketing hacks, and the pros and cons of data centres
Cyber Uncut returns to discuss AI giant conspiracies, data centre impacts, and the dead internet theory. Are AI giants like OpenAI having their agents hack things on purpose? Senior journalist Daniel Croft and managing editor Liam Garman touch on the theory that these tech giants want their AI models hacking, as any publicity is good publicity. The two start by discussing dead internet theory and bots causing division, starting with the 2016 election. They then discuss local hacks and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia's AI copyright changes. Finally, the two talk about data centres and the impact they could have on markets. Are data centres set to cause a "mining boom" effect in small, regional towns? How are rental and housing markets going to be impacted? Should data centre developers be building housing right next to their projects? The answer might not be as clear as you might think. That's this week in the Cyber Uncut podcast. Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut Team
Friday · 30 min
THE PROGRESS REPORT: Leadership, mentorship and life at sea – Commander Melanie Lennard on 17 years in the Royal Australian Navy
How do you build an inclusive, adaptable and capable Australian Defence Force through leadership, lifelong learning and the experiences that shape military careers? Royal Australian Navy Commander Melanie Lennard shares her journey from studying sports science at university to a 17-year career in the Royal Australian Navy, including operational deployments to South Sudan and the leadership lessons that have shaped her professional development. In this episode of The Progress Report, former news editor Steve Kuper sits down with CMDR Lennard to discuss her experiences as a female naval officer and how the Navy has evolved to create greater opportunities for women across the ADF. The pair also explore the role of formal and informal mentoring in developing the next generation of military leaders, the importance of continuous professional development, and how learning from colleagues, operational experiences and international partners can shape leadership approaches. Beyond leadership and diversity, CMDR Lennard reflects on her deployments to South Sudan in support of a United Nations mission, the challenges of working alongside more than 60 nations, and the perspective these experiences provide on Australia's security, freedoms and way of life. The conversation also examines the opportunities emerging from Navy's modernisation, the potential for career changes and further study while serving, and the importance of sharing positive stories about the people serving in the ADF. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team
Friday · 22 min
Australia's munitions manufacturing push at Land Forces 2026, with NIOA Group's Robert Nioa
NIOA Group is expanding its role in Australia's munitions manufacturing sector amid growing global demand, supply chain constraints and the need to strengthen domestic defence industrial capability. Speaking with Defence Connect news editor Robert Dougherty at Land Forces 2026, NIOA Group CEO Robert Nioa discusses the company's growing role as a prime contractor, its partnerships with the Australian government and international industry, and efforts to expand domestic production of artillery ammunition, explosives and other munitions. The conversation also explores global ammunition shortages, the strategic and economic benefits of sovereign manufacturing, proximity-fused warheads for counter-drone systems, and the challenges of establishing a sustainable Australian munitions industrial base. Nioa also shares his views on future small arms requirements for the Australian Defence Force and the potential timeline for replacing the F88 Austeyr service rifle. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
Thursday · 17 min
EOS showcases new interceptor and layered drone defence at Land Forces 2026, with Lee Kormany
Electro Optic Systems is showcasing a range of counter-uncrewed aerial systems technology and a new EOS Interceptor at Land Forces 2026 in Perth. Speaking with Defence Connect, EOS executive vice president Lee Kormany discusses several of the company's latest announcements, counter-drone treads internationally, domestic manufacturing and the increasing global shortages in proximity fuse ammunition used against drones. The conversation also explores EOS' focus on remote weapon systems and how the company continues to expand its presence across Australia and international markets. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
Wednesday · 25 min
CONTESTED GROUND: The information advantage – how AI is reshaping influence, competition and power
Information has always shaped power and influence – but in the age of artificial intelligence, the speed, scale and sophistication with which narratives can be created and deployed has changed dramatically. In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, Phil Tarrant and Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson explore how the tradecraft of information warfare is increasingly intersecting with the commercial world, and why influence, narrative and information advantages are becoming critical strategic capabilities for modern businesses. They unpack the parallels – and important differences – between military information operations and commercial competition, from shaping perceptions and gaining decision superiority to defending against misinformation and responding to crises at speed. With AI now enabling highly targeted content to be created in hours rather than weeks, Tarrant and Thompson examine what this means for business leaders, why communications can no longer be left solely to marketing teams, and why organisations need the people, systems and strategy to compete in an information environment moving faster than ever before.
Wednesday · 12 min
Next-generation equipment at Land Forces 2026, with Aquaterro's Graeme Bulte
SIG Sauer's newly unveiled P385 pistol makes its international debut at Land Forces 2026 in Perth, with Australian defence company Aquaterro showcasing the new weapon alongside the M8 carbine. Speaking with Defence Connect, Aquaterro founder and managing director Graeme Bulte discusses the P385's capabilities, its compatibility with the existing P320 magazine and what the new pistol could mean for Australian defence and law enforcement users. The conversation also explores Australia's growing SIG Sauer ecosystem, including the Australian Defence Force's F9 P320 sidearm and Aquaterro's recently signed Defence contract covering the supply, support and sustainment of SIG technologies. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team
October 6 · 41 min
SPOTLIGHT: Defence electronics supply chains, counterfeit components and shortages
How are global electronics shortages, AI-driven demand and counterfeit components reshaping Australia's defence supply chain Speaking with Defence Connect Spotlight news editor Robert Dougherty, Astute Group marketing director Mark Shanley, IntelliDesign head of business development Frank Harrington and Moog Australia director of industry development Neil Fitzpatrick discuss the challenges facing defence manufacturers as component shortages, price volatility and extended lead times continue to disrupt critical programs. The panel examines how AI-fuelled demand for high-bandwidth memory and other semiconductor components is placing unprecedented pressure on global supply chains, driving higher prices and longer procurement timelines. The conversation explores the growing threat of counterfeit electronic components entering defence supply chains, highlighting the importance of rigorous testing, traceability, quality assurance and international standards to protect mission-critical systems. The guests also discuss how collaboration between primes, SMEs and trusted distribution partners can reduce supply chain risk while maintaining capability. Looking ahead, Shanley, Harrington and Fitzpatrick discuss strengthening Australia's sovereign defence industry through greater supply chain resilience, improved counterfeit awareness, export readiness and closer alignment with international defence procurement standards to support AUKUS and future global defence opportunities. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Spotlight team
October 5 · 36 min
CYBER UNCUT: AI agents, Medicare, and the dangers of getting an LLM drunk
Cyber Uncut returns with an AI hacking incident at Medicare, ransomware drama, banking breaches, and the surprisingly serious security lessons from getting AI "drunk". Would you let an AI agent apply for a loan on your behalf? New research suggests 59 per cent of Australians would – but Cyber Daily's David Hollingworth and Banking Daily's Daniel Croft aren't convinced. The pair break down the growing willingness to hand AI sensitive financial data and decision-making authority, and why giving an agent autonomy creates a very different risk profile from simply asking ChatGPT to find you the best deal. The conversation then turns to the OpenAI agent that accessed the Australian government's Medicare statistics service, the fallout from the incident, and what happens when AI systems pursue goals with loose guardrails. From ShinyHunters' extraordinary clash with the FBI to Revolut's accidental disclosure of customer data, Hollingworth and Croft examine how AI-enabled threats and old-fashioned social engineering are converging – while ransomware groups continue to target organisations holding highly sensitive data. And then things get weird. Researchers at UNSW have demonstrated how prompting or fine-tuning AI to behave as though it were intoxicated can weaken its safeguards and make it more willing to overshare. Beneath the laughs is a serious warning: protections that work under normal conditions may not hold when an AI is pursuing a goal, adapting its behaviour, or encountering obstacles. Tune in for the latest Cyber Uncut conversation between David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft. Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team
October 1 · 37 min
AUKUS, China and Australia's defence industrial future, with former prime minister Scott Morrison
Australia's strategic environment is changing rapidly, but defence procurement and industry must move faster to keep pace. Speaking with Defence Connect news editor Robert Dougherty, former Australian prime minister Scott Morrison discusses the five-year evolution of AUKUS, Australia's defence industrial base, China's economic and strategic influence, critical minerals and the need to accelerate defence procurement. Morrison argues that AUKUS is already delivering tangible benefits, with US submarines operating from Australia and investment progressing at Henderson to support US, UK and Australian submarine operations. The pair also discuss US submarine production constraints and Australia's plans to develop a tier-one domestic defence prime. Morrison highlights that Australia should maintain trade with China where appropriate while strengthening economic and strategic resilience through closer cooperation with aligned countries. The conversation turns to critical minerals, with Morrison arguing China's use of supply-chain leverage is accelerating investment in alternative sources. Australia, he says, has an important role as an extractor, while processing capabilities can be distributed across allied countries, including the US, Japan and South Korea. Looking towards the next decade, Morrison calls for faster defence decision making and procurement because systems designed for the post-Cold War environment are no longer suited to today's strategic conditions. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
September 30 · 15 min
CONTESTED GROUND: When AI goes rogue – the emerging threat Australia isn't ready for
Artificial intelligence promises to transform productivity, business and government – but what happens when the technology starts making decisions its human operators never intended? In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, Phil Tarrant is joined by Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson to examine the rapidly emerging security risks surrounding AI, from autonomous agents exploiting vulnerabilities to the growing challenge of keeping increasingly powerful systems inside appropriate guardrails. With businesses racing to deploy AI and governments grappling with how – or whether – to regulate it, Tarrant and Thompson explore whether Australia is moving fast enough to understand the threat, protect critical systems and ensure the technology designed to make us more productive doesn't become a new contested ground itself.
September 28 · 21 min
CYBER UNCUT: Bringing networking and security together to cut cyber risk
HPE's Matt Hanmer says organisations must break down the traditional divide between network and security teams as AI accelerates attacks and infrastructure becomes increasingly distributed. Organisations need to bring network and security operations together to keep pace with increasingly distributed infrastructure and faster-moving cyber threats, according to HPE APJ regional director Matt Hanmer. Speaking on the Cyber Uncut podcast, Hanmer said the traditional separation between teams is becoming unworkable as organisations connect more people, locations and applications while facing pressure to do more with less. Treating the network as a security sensor can help organisations detect threats while reducing duplicated tools, costs and operational complexity. AI is adding urgency to the shift, with attackers increasingly automating activity that once took months and compressing parts of the attack lifecycle into hours or minutes, Hanmer said. Defenders need to automate repetitive security operations while keeping humans responsible for oversight and intervention. Rather than keeping people "in the loop" for every decision, Hanmer advocates putting humans "on the loop" – setting rules and parameters for automated systems while ensuring security teams can intervene when necessary. Hanmer will discuss HPE's approach further at HPE Networking Day in Sydney on 7 October, where attendees can see its networking roadmap, demonstrations, and meet its global leadership team. Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team
September 25 · 32 min
Frontier AI, cyber warfare, and defending Australia's military networks, with Wendi Whitmore and Tom Scully
How is AI reshaping the cyber threat landscape, and how can the defence industry respond to new threats giving attackers unprecedented speed and scale? Speaking with Defence Connect news editor Robert Dougherty, Palo Alto Networks chief security intelligence officer Wendi Whitmore and industry principal Tom Scully discuss the rise of frontier AI and its implications for military networks, critical infrastructure, and Australia's defence supply chain. The trio examine how AI is accelerating cyber attacks, allowing adversaries to identify previously obscure vulnerabilities and target smaller organisations across defence supply chains. They also discuss lessons from contemporary conflicts, where cyber operations are increasingly integrated with conventional military activity. The conversation explores the growing importance of AI-enabled cyber defence, zero trust architectures, and treating military networks as weapon systems rather than traditional IT infrastructure. Looking ahead, Whitmore and Scully discuss securing autonomous AI agents, protecting AUKUS information sharing and preparing Defence and industry for increasingly AI-enabled cyber warfare. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
September 24 · 30 min
Australia's 2026 Intergenerational Report and national security implications, with Phillip Tarrant and Robert Dougherty
Defence Connect co-hosts Phil Tarrant and news editor Robert Dougherty discuss the latest developments shaping Australia's defence industry and national security environment. The pair examine Australia's recently released 2026 Intergenerational Report, defence workforce requirements, and preparations for Land Forces 2026. The podcast conversation includes the following topics: The long-term implications of demographic, economic, and geopolitical change for defence. The extension of the ADF Reserve liability period and the importance of retaining experienced military personnel. Land Forces 2026 and new security arrangements surrounding the major defence industry exhibition. The establishment of the Cyber Reserve and new pathways for attracting specialist technology talent into Defence. Security vulnerabilities surrounding Australian defence bases, including drone incursions and physical access to military facilities. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
September 23 · 43 min
CONTESTED GROUND: AUKUS, deterrence, and the deepening Australia–UK strategic partnership
Australia and the United Kingdom share one of the world's deepest strategic relationships – but in an increasingly contested geopolitical environment, that partnership is taking on new significance. In this episode of Contested Ground, Phillip Tarrant and Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson are joined by acting British high commissioner to Australia Dr Brian Jones to unpack the future of AUKUS, the UK's growing Indo-Pacific focus, and the security challenges binding the two nations more closely together. They also explore the enormous industrial opportunity behind AUKUS, the role Australian businesses and technology can play in UK and allied defence supply chains, and why economic, technological, and national security cooperation is becoming increasingly inseparable. It's a wide-ranging discussion on deterrence, defence industry, sovereign capability, and the enduring trust underpinning the Australia–UK relationship. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team
September 22 · 29 min
SPOTLIGHT: Unlocking Australia's Defence estate through divestment, with Stantec Australia
Australia's plan to divest 68 surplus Defence sites presents an opportunity to reduce estate costs while creating new housing, industrial, community, and environmental outcomes, according to Stantec Australia's Tony Rogers, Leigh McDonald, and Nick Glasson. The Defence estate spans around 3.5 million hectares, with the government identifying sites that are underutilised or surplus to future Defence requirements. The divestment program is not simply about raising money through land sales. Instead, it is intended to reduce the cost of maintaining an ageing and increasingly complex estate, while consolidating Defence functions into more suitable and modern facilities. However, each site presents different challenges, including contamination, PFAS, unexploded ordnance, heritage protections, environmental constraints, infrastructure requirements, and planning considerations. The future use of each site will therefore need to reflect its local context. Potential outcomes could include housing, commercial, and industrial development, community infrastructure, environmental restoration, or continued use for the defence industry. Early engagement between Defence, government, industry, developers, and local communities will be critical to identifying viable outcomes and ensuring remediation and infrastructure requirements align with the eventual use of each site. Ultimately, a successful transition will not simply be measured by the highest sale price, but by whether former Defence land can deliver sustainable long-term value while protecting Defence capability, managing environmental and heritage risks, and contributing to surrounding communities. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Spotlight team
September 21 · 34 min
CONTESTED GROUND: Is Australia ready to secure its place in an increasingly contested space domain?
Phil Tarrant is joined by Space Industry Association of Australia CEO Dan Lloyd and chairman Darin Lovett to examine Australia's growing dependence on space and the strategic implications of an increasingly contested space domain. They unpack the critical role space plays across Australia's economy and national security, from positioning, navigation and timing, and communications to defence, transport, energy, agriculture, and emergency services. Does Australia have the strategy, investment, and risk appetite needed to turn its space ambitions into a practical national capability?
September 21 · 22 min
CYBER UNCUT: AI transforms physical security from cost centre to business enabler
Genetec's Lee Shelford says AI and cloud are giving security teams faster investigations while turning physical security systems into tools for broader business operations. Organisations should stop treating AI as a box-ticking exercise and focus on where it can deliver measurable operational gains, according to Genetec's Lee Shelford. Speaking on the Cyber Uncut podcast with David Hollingworth, Shelford says AI-powered video analytics can cut investigations from hours to minutes, allowing operators to find people, vehicles, objects, and behaviours using natural-language searches and respond while incidents are still unfolding. Shelford urges organisations to look beyond traditional surveillance, with Genetec combining video, access control, vehicle recognition, communications, and IoT data through a single interface. The technology can also support use cases beyond security, including bushfire detection, remote monitoring, car park management, and improving the movement of people and vehicles through airports and shopping centres. According to Shelford, remote management can eliminate the need for onsite upgrades and configuration, while AI can reduce the manual tuning previously required as conditions change. But cyber security must remain central, with Genetec having pursued Australian requirements, including IRAP assessment and Essential Eight alignment. Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team
September 18 · 9 min
THE PROGRESS REPORT: Building the future – Viviene Beins on aerospace engineering, women, and Australia's defence industry
Breaking barriers and building the skills needed to shape the future of Australia's aerospace and defence industries. RMIT University aerospace engineering and logistics supply chain student Viviene Beins shares her experience competing in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Design/Build/Fly competition in the US, where she helped lead the composite manufacturing of an aircraft and has now taken on a co-lead role for the next 2026–27 team. In this episode of The Progress Report, news editor Robert Dougherty sits down with Beins to discuss her journey into aerospace engineering, the challenges women face in entering traditionally male-dominated fields, and the importance of mentorship, perseverance, and strong female leadership. The pair also explore the subtle barriers women can face in university and engineering environments, factors often overlooked that can discourage women from pursuing careers in STEM. Beyond gender diversity, Beines reflects on what the Australian aerospace and defence industry can do to attract and retain the next generation of engineers, including providing opportunities for career mobility, skills development, and exposure to cutting-edge programs such as the Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat uncrewed aircraft program. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team
September 17 · 29 min
Australian defence industry faces a changing strategic landscape, with Phillip Tarrant and Robert Dougherty
Defence Connect relaunches our podcast with co-host Phil Tarrant, joined by news editor Robert Dougherty, to discuss the latest developments shaping Australia's defence industry. The pair discuss defence spending, AUKUS, sovereign capability, emerging technologies, and the growing strategic importance of Western Australia. The podcast conversation includes the following topics: Australia's defence spending trajectory and the importance of export opportunities. AUKUS and opportunities for Australian companies across the trilateral supply chain. The strategic significance of Western Australia and its growing defence infrastructure. The People's Republic of China, Taiwan, and the evolving regional security environment. Austal and the importance of maintaining sovereign shipbuilding capability. New missile and air-defence capabilities, including JASSM-ER, LRASM, and NASAMS. The rise of drones, autonomy and new approaches to defence innovation. Project AIR 6500 and the development of a more integrated battlefield network. The potential role of deployable microreactors for military and space applications. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Showing 1–20 of 62 episodes