Australian Defence Magazine Podcast

In this News Review episode, Grant McHerron, Ewen Levick and Nigel Pittaway discuss a few recent news items of interest.

We start with Nigel's review of the Land Forces 2026 event in Perth earlier this month, which was followed straight away by ADM's Western Australian Defence Summit. Land Forces had plenty of Counter UAS caabilities on display but there were no major announcements for other big programs. The ADM Summit did feature an update on the Henderson Defence Precinct which you can read all about in the next ADM magazine.

We then look at the recent announcement at Anduril's facility regarding payloads for the Ghost Shark, Speartooth and Bluebottle platforms, which confirmed a number of expectations. We discuss the AUKUS Pillar 2 developments and the timing of the announcement. The discussion then moves on to Saab's recent launch of its Allied Mission System which represents their first expansion into the space domain, providing a level of space domain awareness along with Command and Control capabilities for space based assets.

We wrap by looking at the government's provision of funding to Austal through the National Reconstruction Fund, noting that it is indicative of potential future funding mechanisms along with private capital. The funds will be used to develop facilities at Henderson to support construction of the Landing Craft Heavy and we consider whether it could be used for Mogami as well. There's going to be many developments in the area given the need for protection systems and expansion to support construction of spaces for nuclear submarine maintenance.

Links:

Government unveils AUKUS Pillar 2 payloads

https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/government-unveils-aukus-pillar-2-payloads

Saab launches into space

https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/saab-launches-into-space

NRFC invests in Austal Landing Craft Heavy

https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/nrfc-invests-in-austal-landing-craft-heavy

Western Australia Defence Summit

https://admevents.com.au/western-australia-defence-summit/

ADM's Land Forces 2026 Day 1, 2 & 3 Coverage:

https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/land-forces-2026-day-1-coverage

https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/land-forces-2026-day-2-coverage

https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/land-forces-2026-day-3-coverage

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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 - © 2026

This is our second and final compilation episode featuring updates we recorded at Land Forces 2026 in Perth. First up, the Australian Army are now using Warden Hyperspectral Optical Radar from Arkeus, Simon Olsen, the company's CEO, steps us through the engagement and also the other UAVs the Warden system is being deployed to, the company's new factory in Brisbane, and their international expansion in the USA and other markets.

Next up we cover Command and Control (C2) with the Danish company Systematic and its SitaWare suite, with both Michael Holm, the company's Founder and Chairman of the Board, and Mark Gainsford, Vice President of Business Development in Australia. The discussion covers the company's history, its international presence, how the SitaWare system covers C2 from headquarters to individual soldiers, its integration across joint forces and allies from surface to space, and its use with civilian first responders. We also discuss AI within C2, training AI systems, and the company's engagement with Land 4140.

Links:

ADM's Land Forces 2026 Day 1, 2 & 3 Coverage:

https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/land-forces-2026-day-1-coverage

https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/land-forces-2026-day-2-coverage

https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/land-forces-2026-day-3-coverage

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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 - © 2026

In this Global Outlook episode, we touch briefly on the Brazilian election, Russian developments in Africa, and El Nino impacting crop yields in India & UK, but the big ticket items are Alberta staying in Canada, and Australia's inability to consider the USA as a potential threat.

The recent referendum in Alberta where the majority of citizens confirmed their intention to remain in Canada has implications for Australia. Republican operatives from the USA were working in Alberta to help the separatist movement, leaders of that movement travelled to Washington to discuss offering resources in return for assistance, and the USA stated openly that it wanted Alberta to become the 51st US state. Given it was less than 100 years ago when Western Australia voted to seceed from Australia, it is entirely possibly that the same activities of the USA could be applied with WA to obtain access to minerals, bases and more.

Meanwhile, the National Preparedness discussions continue with commentators acknowleding the concerns about how the USA restricting access to Starlink/Starshield could be applied to Australia, driving the need for sovereign space capabilities. Sadly, at no point was the next step taken to point out how AUKUS offers exactly the same opportunity for leverage and coertion yet Australia continues to commit enormous levels of funding to this and FMS purchases without considering our exposure to foreign leverage.

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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 - © 2026

This is our first compilation episode featuring updates we recorded at Land Forces 2026 in Perth. First up are Geoff Knox and Bede Gavin talk about their new contract with the New Zealand Defence Force, their neutrally bouyant, body contoured armour, and the tethered drone on display. Next up, Jack Walker from Shield AI discusses their updated V-BAT UAS, its use with organisations around the world, developments with Hivemind and its use with Innovaero's OWL loitering munitions, and the team's expansion in Australia.

During the event, Grant had a chance to sit down with Al Clements, CEO of CEA Technologies, about his ramping up after four months in the role, use of CEA's AESA radars in Australian and international platforms plus the recent demonstration at Woomera with integration into the Aegis system. We also touch on the use of AESA radars for emitting and jamming in addition to sensing, the importance of controlling the electromagnetic spectrum, and the future for CEA.

Next up, Kacey Lam-Evans gives us an update about DroneShield's recent developments and increasing presence on the international market. Finally, we talk with Rear Admiral Pete Quinn (ret'd) from Greenroom Robotics about their developments in Australia and overseas, along with the importance of medium and large sized autonomous surface vessels, including systems helping reduce the demands on the Army personnel crewing their new landing craft. We also talk about training autonomous systems, ensuring commonality for operating them, and establishing the TTPs for ADF members using USVs.

Links:

ADM's Land Forces 2026 Day 1, 2 & 3 Coverage:

https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/land-forces-2026-day-1-coverage

https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/land-forces-2026-day-2-coverage

https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/land-forces-2026-day-3-coverage

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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 - © 2026

In this episode, Grant McHerron talks with Kendy Hau, the Head of Defence for Fujitsu Oceania, and Troy Warke, the company's Chief Technology Officer for Defence, and we’re looking at the technology trends that will shape the future of Defence.

We begin our discussion by reviewing quantum technology and its applications in defence, after which we move on to look at AI convergence alongside other technologies like robotics and autonomous systems. Our discussion also assesses the impact of technology on warfare through the ages, as well as the funding challenges for defence in constrained environments.

We wrap up by considering policy and ethical issues surrounding system certification, authorisation, and public acceptance of defence technologies, and how these factors are crucial alongside technical advancements.

Links:

Fujitsu Asia Pacific

https://global.fujitsu/en-apac

LinkedIn:

Kendy Hau: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendy-hau-bb158313a/

Troy Warke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-warke/

This episode was sponsored by Fujitsu

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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 - © 2026

In this Global Outlook episode, we ask why the National Preparedness discussion is missing the elephant in the room, while covering Trump's purchase of diesel from Russia, the US sanctioning the ICC, and its willingness to livestream an execution.

We look at Trump's purchase of diesel from Russia which does nothing to help US prices but instead helps to fund a war that the USA claims to oppose. The discussion then turns to the US imposing sanctions on the ICC, which goes against the rules based order that Australia's politicians frequently reference. Many countries issued statements of support for the ICC yet Australia remained silent.

Another notable issue has been the US cancelling their television coverage of Nidal Hassan's military execution for his heinous crime. The public aspect of this execution has received bipartisan condemnation within the USA and by many other countries. Australia's reaction has been to attempt to attempt to block coverage of the livestream within Australia, yet no official condemnation has been heard, despite Australia doing so when other countries, such as Iran, conduct live executions.

Which brings us back to National Preparedness and how the discussions have been about the situation with China yet not a mention of the USA's transition away from the rules based global order. With the USA now regularly acting against Australia's geopolitical interests, the question must be raised why the government is giving the USA more leverage that can be used against us? This change didn't start with Trump and won't end with Trump, but Australia needs to consider all aspects of preparedness, not just those raised by China.

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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 - © 2026

In this episode, Grant McHerron talks with Ben Westgarth, CEO of Department 13, about detecting and countering uncrewed aerial systems and the importance of sovereign capability.

We begin our discussion by exploring Department 13’s origins in the USA where it was focused on UAS detection, tracking, and electronic warfare capabilities before subsequently relocating to Australia. We then delve into the company's role in developing Counter-UAS technology for civilian and defence uses, and the company's involvement with Land 156 working with Leidos as system integrator to bring its DART system to the program.

The conversation covers how Department 13 counters RF-controlled drones using layered approaches from cyber-level protocol manipulation to more powerful jamming techniques, aiming to reduce the threat's capability or capacity by breaking C2 links or hindering movement. This includes targeting less capable drones first before escalating response levels. We also discuss the critical importance of sovereign development for both hardware and software components in counter-UAS systems, citing supply chain vulnerabilities as a key reason why keeping core IP and capabilities within Australia is non-negotiable.

Finally, we wrap up by considering future developments in drone technology requiring quick adaptation from operators and highlighting the need for local expertise to maintain national security.

Links:

Department 13

https://department13.com/

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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 - © 2026

In this Global Outlook episode, we look at Ukraine halting the Russian advances on Donbas just in time for Putin's 74th birthday, Pakistan attacking the Houthis to help Saudi Arabia, and South Korea selling fuel to Russia while also helping Ukraine.

We start with a look at Ukraine's Operation Vivaldi which has halted Russian plans to take key cities in the Donbas region, which included large UAVs delivering UGVs to cause havoc behind Russian lines. This has effectively defeated the Russian incursions and pushed them back just as the weather changes to reduce ground war options as Winter approaches. Russia's missile and drone attacks on power stations, fuel supplies and civilian targets in Ukraine are now likely to increase even more than has been seen in recent weeks. All of this is occurring at the time of Putin's 74th birthday which raises the question of his health and lack of a nominated successor, and could potentially mobilise opposing factions within Russia that will fight for control.

The discussion then moves to the Middle East where the Saudi's have activated the assistance aspects of their recent agreement with Turkey and Pakistan. As a result, Pakistan are now attacking the Houthis, which may raise questions for India.

The big topic for this episode, though, is the reports that the South Koreans are selling fuel, including Diesel, to Russia via sanctioned vessels, all while being on Ukraine's side. We look at the issue of North Korean POWs that Ukraine is holding, South Korea's previous dealings with Russia, North Korea's closer ties with Russia, and the sinking of a Russian cargo ship near Spain that was taking nuclear reactors to Vladivostok but was likely intended for North Korea. Is supplying fuel to Russia a way for South Korea to establish leverage over them, potentially influencing them to reduce their use of North Korean troops and the military and technical assistance they are providing, including weapons and nuclear reactors? Could the trust and trade disputes between the USA and South Korea be contributing to this? Could the USA leverage their nuclear assistance to South Korea to pressure them to cease supplying the fuel? If the US does use their nuclear technology for leverage, it could show AUKUS' leverage for forcing Australia to support their goals?

Links:

Drones above, robots below — inside Operation Vivaldi, Ukraine’s push to recapture territory in Donetsk Oblast

https://kyivindependent.com/inside-operation-vivaldi-how-ukraine-uses-drones-robots-to-liberate-territory-in-donetsk-oblast/

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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 - © 2026

In this episode, Grant McHerron visits BAE Systems Australia to meet with Stuart Bryden, Business Development & Strategy Manager, and Farid Hasan, Program Manager - Autonomy, to discuss the state of autonomous systems.

We begin our discussion by exploring the company's long-standing involvement in autonomous systems, dating back nearly 40 years from programs like Nulka and ESSM. This history laid the groundwork for modern autonomy capabilities now seen on platforms such as Boeing's Ghost Bat and the Atlas UGV, via BAE Systems Australia’s Vehicle Management System.

Next, we delve into the specifics of these systems, including the vehicle management software developed internally at BAE Systems that handles navigation, system health monitoring, and mission planning for Ghost Bat, Atlas, and a fleet of the Army's M113s armoured personnel carriers. The discussion then shifts to the Atlas program, a large eight-wheel-drive platform with an automated turret designed from scratch to operate autonomously both on and off-road, complementing manned counterparts such as infantry fighting vehicles and tanks.

Furthermore, we examine how BAE Systems collaborates with partners such as TerraSense Analytics to enhance its autonomy suite through software and hardware integration, enabling faster development and deployment of capabilities like automatic target tracking. Finally, we consider the future trajectory of autonomy over the next decade, focusing on replacing humans in high-risk tasks for greater efficiency and asymmetric advantage.

Links:

BAE Systems Australia

https://www.baesystems.com/en-aus/what-we-do/innovation

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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 - © 2026

Grant McHerron asks Nigel Pittaway, Kylie Leonard, and Kirra Davey for their views on Day 1 of Land Forces 2026 which is being held in Perth. Lots of people, lots of buzz, and multiple announcements. Go to our Land Forces Day One website page for details: https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/land-forces-2026-day-1-coverage

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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 - © 2026