In this episode, Grant McHerron talks with Steve Roughsedge, Toll Group’s Senior Vice President of Theatre Supply Chain at Toll Group, about the Defence Theatre Logistics contract they’ve been awarded by the ADF.

We begin our discussion by getting an overview of Toll Group as a logistics provider, Steve’s career to date, how Toll Group is involved with the Defence Theatre Logistics Contract, and their current involvement in Australia with capabilities to extend internationally. We review how its extensive background in working with Defence has assisted in winning the contract, how the commercial logistics network provides improved resilience to military logistics particularly in the Indo-Pacific, and how it has continued to meet the Defence clearance requirements. 

We wrap up by seeing how Toll Group is looking to expand its capabilities as a 3rd party logistics contractor to international parties. 

Links:

Toll Group

www.tollgroup.com

------------------

The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).

The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.

If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via [email protected] to get involved.

ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence.

For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan.

Hosted by Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Australian Defence Magazine - © 2025

In this News Review episode, Grant McHerron, Nigel Pittaway and Kirra Davey review and discuss some of the news of interest that's occurred recently in the world of Defence.

We open the episode by discussing the recent news from the meeting between Donald Trump and Anthony Albanese where AUKUS was not cancelled but the focus seemed to be on the critical minerals deal and the significant investment in the US market to come from Australian super funds. The works at HMAS Sterling and the ambiguity remaining in the agreement were touched on along with Minister Conroy's upbeat views, his reference to the sovereignty of any Virginia subs we may obtain, and the recent acknowledgement by our government that the future disposal of nuclear reactors had not yet been costed.

After AUKUS we note that Kongsberg and Thales have test fired a missile booster from a Bushmaster vehicle in Norway, demonstrating that the StrikeMaster concept is functional and supporting its consideration for Army's Land 8113 Phase 2 Land Based Maritime Strike program. Currently up against HIMARS and PrSM Increment 2, there's a chance that the ADF could select both platforms which would be quite the development.

We return to the US to note that GA-ASI has been selected to produce the conceptual design for the US Navy's Collaborative Combat Aircraft. It's getting very crowded in the CCA market with Boeing's MQ-28A Ghost Bat, the GA-ASI and Anduril products, a Korean product and even one from Turkey. This will be a very interesting space to watch going forwards.

We wrap with news from ADM's Women In Defence Awards evening, the upcoming ADM 30 Under 30 Awards, our presence at Indo-Pac next week, and the two ADM Women in Defence Network Women's Walks that will occur at the event. We're looking forward to seeing you at Indo-Pac so please do come and say hello.

Links:

AUKUS deal through to the next round

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/aukus-deal-through-to-the-next-round

Kongsberg and Thales fire Naval Strike Missile

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/kongsberg-and-thales-fire-naval-strike-missile

GA-ASI to design CCA for US Navy

https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/ga-asi-to-design-cca-for-us-navy

ADM Women in Defence Awards

admwomenindefenceawards.com.au

ADM 30 Under 30 Awards

adm30u30awards.com.au

ADM Women In Defence Network - Women's Walk at Indo-Pac 2025

admwomenindefencenetwork.com.au/event/adm-womens-walk-indopac2025

------------------

The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).

The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.

If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via [email protected] to get involved.

ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence.

For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan.

Hosted by Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Australian Defence Magazine - © 2025

In this News Review episode, Grant McHerron, Ewen Levick, Nigel Pittaway and Kirra Davey review and discuss some of the news of interest that's occurred recently in the world of Defence.

We start with a review of the International Astronomical Congress that Kirra attended during the week, including Australia signing agreements with the USA and seeking to get more engagement with the European Space Agency. It was noted that if Australia is in Eurovision, perhaps being in the ESA isn't such a stretch, especially given the launch sites Australia has to offer for both equatorial and polar orbits.

We then move on to notification that Australia has requested approval from the USA to potentially purcase another 48 HIMARS vehicles in addition to those we have already order. This is likely to ensure that, if Lockheed Martin and HIMARS are selected for Land 8113 Phase 2 (Land Based Maritime Strike) there won't be any concerns from the USA. The other contender for Phase 2 is Thales Australia with Kongsberg Defence Australia with their StrikeMaster offering (a Bushmaster with Naval Strike Missile launchers). We also discuss how the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) offers improved targeting in GPS denied and contested areas once Increment 2 becomes available, plus how HIMARS plus PrSM could help provide Australia with control over shipping in the straits to our North.

Next up is a discussion of the pending AUKUS Review from the USA along with the many sources saying that the Virginia submarines for Australia could be delayed (or even cancelled), how more money may be requested from Australia, or that maybe SSN AUKUS gets an accelerated timeline. We also note that AUKUS is currently more favoured towards the US & UK given the US$3bn we're sending each of them, plus the infrastructure development we're establishing to support Submarine Rotational Force - West. Will our US$3bn payments count towards the 3.5% of GDP target?

We wrap by noting that the Women in Defence Awards night is approaching and that submissions for the 30 Under 30 awards have closed. There's lots going on and plenty to keep us busy with bringing you the important news in Defence and industry.

Links:

Australia and US sign aeronautical agreement

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/australia-and-us-sign-aeronautical-agreement

Astroscale seeks Australian foothold

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/astroscale-seeks-australian-foothold

Australian space institute launches at IAC 2025

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/australian-space-institute-launches-at-iac-2025

Australia buys M142 HIMARS (GWEO starting to walk faster?)

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/australia-buys-m142-himars

ADM Women in Defence Awards

admwomenindefenceawards.com.au

ADM 30 Under 30 Awards

adm30u30awards.com.au

------------------

The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).

The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.

If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via [email protected] to get involved.

ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence.

For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan.

Hosted by Grant McHerron

Editor: Chris Visscher

Producer: Steve Visscher

Australian Defence Magazine - © 2025

In this episode, Grant McHerron talks with two people from KBR's Australia Defence and Security Solutions group: Christine Gillon, Director of People and Culture, and Ben Kelly, Senior Director of Sustainment and Integration. We discuss KBR’s growth in Australia and their role providing Defence with sustainment and engineering solutions.

We begin our discussion by getting an overview of Christine and Ben’s career to date and KBR’s decades of experience in delivering science, technology, and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. Our conversation explores the key areas of focus for KBR in Australia particularly around sustainment and sovereign capability, and the roles and careers available at KBR and the range of benefits that they bring.

We wrap up by getting an insight into how you can progress your career with KBR.

Links:

Careers at KBR

https://careers.kbr.com/us/en 

------------------

The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).

The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.

If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via [email protected] to get involved.

ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence.

For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan.

Hosted by Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Australian Defence Magazine - © 2025

In this episode, Grant McHerron talks with James Heading, the Director and General Manager for Missiles and Fire Control at Lockheed Martin Australia, and Wayne Harrison who is responsible for International Business Development at the Missiles and Fire Control team at Lockheed Martin, We'll be talking about the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) and HIMARS.

We begin our conversation by getting a background of James' and Wayne’s careers to date, then get an introduction to the HIMARS and PrSM systems and assess the improved capabilities they are bringing to Army. Our discussion goes on to explore the global significance of the successful Talisman Sabre PrSM live fire exercise, why Australia has invested heavily into its development, and an insight into the two variations of PrSM. 

We wrap up by reviewing the opportunities that local manufacturing and testing brings to Australia, and how this system is the best solution for our land-based ground and maritime Strike capabilities. 

Links:

Army adds long range strike capability

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/army-adds-long-range-strike-capability

Talisman Sabre trials long-range fires

www.australiandefence.com.au/defence/land/talisman-sabre-trials-long-range-fires

------------------

The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).

The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.

If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via [email protected] to get involved.

ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence.

For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan.

Hosted by Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Australian Defence Magazine - © 2025

In this episode, Grant McHerron and Kirra Davey talk with Sophee Clark, Babcock International Group's Australian Production Manager for Marine projects, about her experiences as a 30 Under 30 Award winner and working at Babcock.

We begin our conversation by getting an overview of the ADM 30 Under 30 award program, the challenges of recruitment for defence, and the available careers from Babcock. We also get an insight into Sophee’s experience in the industry, her advice for starting a career in Defence, and the achievements she has made since winning the ADM 30 Under 30 award. 

We wrap up by discussing the importance of these awards, and review the nomination process.

Links:

ADM 30 Under 30 Awards

adm30u30awards.com.au

Babcock Australasia

www.babcock.com.au

------------------

The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).

The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.

If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via [email protected] to get involved.

ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence.

For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan.

Hosted by Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Editor: Chris Visscher

Australian Defence Magazine - © 2025

In this episode, Grant McHerron talks with Air Commodore James Badgery, Director General of the Defence Aviation Safety Authority, about DASA and their engagement with the Australian Space Agency, and space in general.

We begin our discussion by getting a general overview of James’ career, how DASA operates, and how Defence has adopted European military regulation structures whilst also working with US platforms. Our conversation also gives us an insight into DASA’s increased involvement in space, the approach the Authority has taken to write and roll out regulations, how DASA engages with the Australian Space Agency, and the importance of the Memorandum of Understanding between both agencies. We also review the evolution of international space agencies as well as the rapid development and changes in technology and regulations.

We wrap up by looking ahead for DASA’s involvement with space and how it keeps up with the everchanging technologies, regulations, and requirements.

Links:

Defence Aviation Safety Authority (DASA)

dasa.defence.gov.au

Australian Space Agency

www.space.gov.au 

Australian Space Agency signs MoU with DASA

www.australiandefence.com.au/defence/cyber-space/australian-space-agency-signs-mou-with-dasa 

Working together for space safety

www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2025-04-03/working-together-space-safety 

------------------

The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).

The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.

If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via [email protected] to get involved.

ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence.

For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan.

Hosted by Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Australian Defence Magazine - © 2025

Grant McHerron talks with David Goodrich OAM, Executive Chairman and CEO of Anduril Australia, about the big news from Wednesday morning regarding Anduril being awarded $1.7bn for the Ghost Shark Program of Record.

We start with an overview of the contract, then move on to Ghost Shark's pedigree from the Dive LD and Dive XL AUVs, and how much Australian content there is in Ghost Shark. David talks to us about its majority Australian share which prevents ITAR issues and their engagement with Australian organisations in their supply chain. This leads to a discussion about how their manufacturing plant was funded, its location, their intentions for the USA and UK, plus how Ghost Shark is an example of AUKUS Pillar 2 in action.

The discussion moves on to the number of Ghost Sharks that are expected to be delivered over the coming years, usage scenarios for Ghost Shark and its modular payload system, along with its evolution to have more capability, more payloads and longer endurance. We then review the successes they've had with a Dive XL unit being evaluated by the US Navy before wrapping up with a look at the future for manned platforms along side AUVs and David's acknowledgement of the partnership between Navy, DSTG and ASCA which has made this all possible.

Links:

Anduril wins Ghost Shark contract

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/anduril-wins-ghost-shark-contract

------------------

The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).

The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.

If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via [email protected] to get involved.

ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence.

For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan.

Hosted by Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Australian Defence Magazine - © 2025

In this News Review episode, Grant McHerron, Ewen Levick and Kirra Davey review and discuss some of the news of interest that's occurred recently in the world of Defence.

We start with a look at Land 156 with plenty of releases lately, including the announcement that the EOS Slinger cannon will be included and that Leidos has been selected as the system integrator. There's also been news of expanded UAS and Counter UAS systems as the government wants to show they're spending on Defence industry now, not just in the future. We also discuss the need for C-UAS layers covering EW, kinetic, high energy and so on, plus the cost of kill vs the cost of the drones themselves.

Next up is the news that Norway is purchasing BAE's Type 26 Frigate which is the basis for our Hunter class and has also been selected by the Canadians. We note that this demonstrates the cooperation between the UK and Norway but also ponder whether BAE has the capacity to deliver the first vessel by 2030, although perhaps being kept the same as the UK's vessels will help.

This naturally leads to a discussion about Hunter, mainstream media references to it being a "troubled" program, and how more engagement with media would help. There's also a quick chat about who gets to name the new ships.

We wrap with the news that the keel of the sixth and final Offshore Patrol Vessel has been laid, along with the observation that there's a lot of maritime news lately and thoughts regarding the pending IIP update.

Links:

Leidos selected as Land 156 systems integrator

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/leidos-selected-as-land-156-systems-integrator

Defence expands UAS and CUAS capabilities

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/defence-expands-uas-and-cuas-capabilities

Norway selects Type 26 frigate

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/norway-selects-type-26-frigate

Defence lays keel for Offshore Patrol Vessel

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/defence-lays-keel-for-offshore-patrol-vessel

------------------

The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).

The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.

If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via [email protected] to get involved.

ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence.

For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan.

Hosted by Grant McHerron

Editor: Chris Visscher

Producer: Steve Visscher

Australian Defence Magazine - © 2025

In this News Review episode, Grant McHerron and Kirra Davey review and discuss some of the recent news of interest that's occurred recently in the world of Defence.

We open the episode with Kirra's comments on the Hunter Defence Conference that she attended, including reference to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries being present, which leads to a discussion on Mogami, MHI's capabilities, and observations that there's still a way to go before the contract is signed. We also consider Minister Controy's recent speech to the QLD Media Club which, among other topics, noted that Land 156 will be "both a benchmark and a blueprint for how we will deliver speed to capability in the future," and also that these systems could be deployed to assist civil society while referencing the Brisbane Olympics in 2032.

The subsequent topics include Lockheed Martin Australia signing a contract with Avalon Airport to store GMLRs jigs and other components at the airport until their manufacturing site is ready to use them, plus Kongsberg have won another contract to export their NSM launchers and control consoles, all of which are made entirely within Australia with no foreign parts or companies involved. We then move on to discuss South Korea wanting to further engage with Australia for both training and for launching satellites, which could lead to Australia gaining access to more innovative technologies while also being a boon for ADM's next Australia-Korea Defence Congress.

We wrap the episode with a reminder that ADM's 30 Under 30 Awards have opened for 2025 and Kirra's recent interview with previous award winner, Nasstassja Regan.

Links:

Hunter Defence Conference 2025

www.hunterdefence.org.au/hdc2025

ADM Eyes on Asia - August 13th - Japan reacts to MHI's Mogami winning Sea 3000

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/adm-eyes-on-asia-13-august-2025

Minister Conroy's address to the QLD Media Club

www.minister.defence.gov.au/speeches/2025-08-19/address-queensland-media-club-delivering-australias-defence-capability

Lockheed Martin Australia signs agreement with Avalon Airport

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/lockheed-martin-australia-signs-agreement-with-avalon-airport

Kongsberg Defence Australia secures missile launcher deal

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/kongsberg-defence-australia-secures-missile-launcher-deal

South Korea seeks closer ties

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/south-korea-seeks-closer-ties

ADM 30 Under 30 Awards

adm30u30awards.com.au

Why enter ADM's 30 Under 30 Awards?

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/why-enter-adm-30-under-30

------------------

The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).

The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.

If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via [email protected] to get involved.

ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence.

For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan.

Hosted by Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Australian Defence Magazine - © 2025