Defence & Security Podcast Network

The Australian manufacturing industry is often politically charged, with various state governments petitioning for projects that will stimulate the economy and fuel job growth. Jens Goennemann, managing director of the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre, says the Australian defence industry could do all of this and more – but while the industry is strong on research, its weakness lies in actuall...

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, DMTC chief executive Mark Hodge joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss the opportunities for Australian defence technology and how the defence force can better participate in active global programs to demonstrate its presence. Together, the duo also discuss how DMTC has evolved beyond a one-time military contract into a burgeoning business, how they bala...

With the federal government's budget announcement also came its declaration of support for the defence industry with a major increase to the sector's spending. Philippe Odouard, CEO for Xtek, says that the increase is 'significant', marking the government's recognition of the industry and its potential for growth. Tune in to the Defence Connect Podcast as Odouard discusses new opportunities for de...

With competition heating up between the states and territories to secure lucrative defence contracts, Defence Connect chatted with Greg Combet, Victorian defence industry advocate, to hear how Victoria is shaping up as a strong contender and influencer of the Australian defence industry. As a former federal politician, trade unionist and engineer, Greg Combet has had vast experience in shaping ind...

Innovation has always offered tactical advantages on the battlefield and the emergence of geospatial technology has fundamentally changed modern warfare. In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast Amir Farhand, CEO and founder of start-up the Takor Group, offers his insights into the advantages of geospatial technology on the modern battlefield and how forward-thinking military units are rushi...

The application and implication of drone technology is changing the face of combat. Some defence strategists and key ADF leadership claim the majority of warfighting will be done by unmanned platforms within 50 years, with all arms of the military working at pace to embrace drone technology. The Federal government is firmly behind this, with remotely-operated platforms a key priority of the $640 m...

With the government firmly behind driving Australian defence industry capabilities, Defence Connect chatted with Vince Howie, aerospace and defence director for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, to hear how Australian businesses can branch out to move directly into the US defence supply chain. Flying the flag for the US and Oklahoma, Howie gives the lowdown on the state's strong aerospace indus...

A former Commanding Officer in the UK's Royal Air Force, Ian Bell knows defence aviation and how preparedness drives optimal tactical and operational outcomes. As vice president and general manager for Middle East and Asia Pacific defence and security at training systems integrator CAE, he's tasked with developing the business and delivering on projects – and ensuring defence personal are capable,...

Steven Drury is at the pointy end of the F-35 program in his role as director at BAE Systems Australia, with the prime preparing for sustainment work at their facility in Newcastle, NSW. In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, the former RAAF aeronautical engineer details the work BAE Systems Australia will undertake for the Asia-Pacific F-35 sustainment capability, the buzz around the pro...

Join the Defence Connect team and Milskil CEO and founder and former RAAF fighter pilot John Lonergan as they discuss defence SMEs and how to make themselves more attractive to the industry and government tenders, the Plan Jericho vision and life after the cockpit. http://www.defenceconnect.com.au

QinetiQ's Managing Director Greg Barsby and Rubikon's Managing Director Chris Otley-Doe join the Defence Connect team on the back of QinetiQ's acquirement of Rubikon. Barsby and Otley-Doe give the inside story on the acquisition and integration into QinetiQ, what constitutes value in a defence business and the importance of growing organic relationships within the industry. http://www.defenceconne...

CEO of BAE Systems Australia Glynn Phillips joins Phillip Tarrant to discuss technology and innovation in BAE Systems and the defence industry, academia and business within defence, identifying sovereign capabilities, how to meet the capabilities and challenges of the future, and creating that capability 'edge'. http://www.defenceconnect.com.au

Defence Connect catches up with Shane Arnott, the director of Boeing's new arm of innovation Phantom Works to discuss Phantom Works' major functions, the newly invigorated innovation within Australia's defence industry and how great ideas can be commercialised into products. http://www.defenceconnect.com.au

Raytheon missile systems and weapons expert Mark Noyes and business development executive Jason Nelson join the Defence Connect team to discuss the capabilities Raytheon is providing for Australia's F-35s and how Raytheon is connecting with the Australian government and businesses. http://www.defenceconnect.com.au

A driven and passionate SME that's punching above its weight in the competitive Sonar segment, Ultra Electronics is not standing still. Chatting with the Defence Connect Podcast, Mills discusses the evolution of the business and opportunities within the reinvigorated defence industry post the delivery of the 2016 Defence White Paper. He also shares his key success factors for how SMEs can crack de...

Join Michael Lenton and Defence Connect Podcast host Phillip Tarrant as they discuss the integration of a number of established defence and aerospace businesses (such as Finmeccanica and Selex ES) under the new Leonardo brand – and what that means for the company moving forward, including ambitious growth plans in the Australian market across a number of key competitive sectors. http://www.defence...

Industry stalwart and former CEO of Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand Raydon Gates was just this week announced to Australian board of QinetiQ at a time of growth for the business, including the acquisition of RubiKon Group. Raydon joins Defence Connect Podcast host Phillip Tarrant and shares his insights on an industry in transition – and the critical steps organisations can take to focus...

This week on the Defence Connect Podcast former RAAF fast-jet pilot and business performance coach Christian Boucousis offers his perspective how skills, attitudes and processes from the cockpit can amplify business growth and effectiveness – especially in defence organisations. Christian – who is managing director of Afterburner Australia and New Zealand – says there's an opportunity for all defe...

This week on the Defence Connect Podcast we discuss the fundamental steps the Australian Defence Force and policy makers need to undertake to deliver Australia's security obligations – and the very important role of defence industry to support this – with Major General (Ret) Jim Molan. Major General Jim Molan gives his insights around the nature and future of warfare, the influence of the Defence...

This week on the Defence Connect Podcast we discuss the pivotal work of research bodies in transforming the defence industry in Australia and the need for SMEs to engage with research bodies. Science Director and Deputy Director of Manufacturing at the CSIRO Dr Cathy Foley joins us to discuss the importance of understanding and developing the capabilities of the SMEs within the Australian defence...

This week on the Defence Connect Podcast we explore the steady expansion of engineering and manufacturing company, H.I. Fraser and its evolution from a 'classic defence SME' to a diversified, booming business. General Manager, Chris Williams, dives into the company's decisions to reduce risk and entice growth by exploring other sectors and finding ways to bring the excitement and innovation from o...

The First Principles Review, the 2016 Defence White Paper, Defence Integrated Investment Plan and the Defence Industry Capability Plan have all stated that the ADF must posses sovereign industry capabilities, and now, the task of ensuring it happens has fallen to the CDIC. First Assistant Secretary of the Defence Industry Policy Division, Kate Louis, explains how the Centre for Defence Industry Ca...

Greg Ferguson, executive manager of the Avalon Airshow, stopped by the Defence Connect Podcast studio to talk with host Phillip Tarrant and co-host Paul Robinson about the upcoming airshow at Avalon in late February. This podcast is a must for defence industry business development managers, as Ferguson gives away some of his top tips on how to conduct business at the show and how to best attract f...

Tristan Cross, company director and engineering partner Chris Riggs join Defence Connect Podcast host Phillip Tarrant and co-host Paul Robinson to uncover the method they used to break their company, Fibre Tech Solutions, into the defence industry. Cross and Riggs recount the steps they took to diversify from the resources sector into defence, from their initial homework right through to practical...

RPR Trades Managing Director Darren Da Costa and Regional Manager- NSW, Sonia Gouveia join regular Defence Connect host Phillip Tarrant and co-host Paul Robinson to discuss the state of the skilled and semi-skilled workforce in Australia. In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Da Costa and Gouveia dive into the absolute war for talent between oil and gas, rail-works, infrastructure, and n...