Defence & Security Podcast Network

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Babcock's Craig Schwartz joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss Babcock's bid for the LAND 125 Phase 4 Integrated Soldier System (ISS) program. The pair examine how the ISS will enhance the warfighting capabilities of Australia's operators by giving them the equipment necessary to fight tomorrow's battles. Schwartz continues by discussing Babcock's bid for the program, including how the prime intends on collaborating with defence industry partners to develop the best ISS product available. The podcast wraps up examining Babcock's approach to IP transfer and their plan to support the government's mandate on sovereign industrial capability. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

With the recent formation of the Sovereign Missile Alliance joint venture, Nova Systems and EOS rise to the challenge of building a sovereign guided munitions capability. Jim McDowell, Group CEO of Nova Systems and Dr Ben Greene, Group CEO of EOS join host Liam Garman to unveil the new Sovereign Missile Alliance (SMA), a joint venture between Nova Systems and EOS to develop a sovereign guided munitions capability in Australia. The pair discuss how sovereign capability is in the DNA of the SMA, drawing on an ecosystem of over 600 Australian SMEs to support the full length of the missile supply chain from design to development and delivery. The guests then analyse the importance of a sovereign military industry in the face of an ever-changing Indo-Pacific, and the role that the SMA will play in enhancing Australia's national resilience by having Australian-based missile expertise and manufacturing.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Captain Dylan Conway and host Liam Garman discuss BrothersNBooks, a brand-new charity founded by CAPT Conway to encourage reading as a form of therapy. The pair discuss CAPT Conway's journey, having been in hospital for 14 months following a back injury where he underwent eight operations, and how he used reading as a form of therapy (or "bibliotherapy") to support him through the experience. CAPT Conway then introduces BrothersNBooks' brand-new endeavour – the 5in50 challenge – where participants are encouraged to read five books over 50 days, while raising money for Legacy Australia. CAPT Conway assures listeners that the 5in50 challenge is, in fact, the world's coolest readathon. If you'd like to take part in the 5in50 challenge and raise funds for Legacy Australia, learn more here. Enjoy the podcast and happy reading, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Brigadier Ian Langford and host Phil Tarrant discuss how the Australian Defence Force is readying for future conflicts, and how the military is well underway in preparing for warfare in environments characterised by disruptive technology and non-traditional threats. The pair then analyse the multi-dimensional modernisation of the Australian Defence Force in line with defence's long-term investment strategy to overcome the nation's threats. Finally, BRIG Langford examines the role of national resilience and sovereign industrial capability to ensure a more robust defence force, specifically the importance of integrating the defence force's supply chain with Australian industrial capability.

Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Senator for NSW and retired Major General Jim Molan analyses the growing instability in the Indo-Pacific and frankly assesses Australia's ability to rise to the challenge of a regional conflict. Senator Molan then analyses the global threat landscape such as conflict in Europe and the Middle East, as well as the US' preparedness to meet these threats, to analyse Australia's military deficits. Finally, the Senator examines whether Australia has the resilience and sovereign capabilities in place to look after itself in the event of potential conflict. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, editor of Defence Connect Liam Garman and news editor Charbel Kadib join host Phil Tarrant to discuss the latest developments in Defence and defence industry. The team begins by weighing in on the burgeoning cyber security industry and efforts to bolster national resilience, championed by the launch of Defence Connect's sister brand, Cyber Security Connect. This is followed by a rundown of the latest demonstrations of multinational interoperability at Exercise Talisman Sabre amid mounting tensions with China. Tarrant, Garman and Kadib also report the latest wins for the local defence industry, discussing the award of three separate contracts in support of key procurement programs. The team concludes by delving into recent geopolitical developments, outlining new opportunities for Australia to assert itself in the Indo-Pacific. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, REDSIX CEO Michael Handley joins host Phil Tarrant to tell the story behind the development of his new veterans support app. Handley, an Army veteran himself, discusses his experience as a service member and the challenges he faced when transitioning to civilian life. He explains how he found new purpose in promoting wellbeing among veterans, prompting him to develop support app, REDSIX. Handley outlines his plans and ambitions for the new tech tool, which aims to lower suicide rates among the veteran community by connecting users with peers and mental health agencies. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team ADF members and their families can contact the Defence All-hours Support Line, a confidential telephone service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling 1800 628 036. Defence families can also contact the Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608.

Safe Zone Support (1800 142 072) is also available as a free and anonymous counselling line for current and former ADF personnel and their families. The service is available 24/7 and provides access to specialised counsellors with an understanding of military culture and experience.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, former head of the ADF's information warfare division, Major General (retired) Dr Marcus Thompson, joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss the importance of building Australia's defences in the increasingly hostile cyber domain. Dr Thompson weighs in on the current cyber threat in Australia amid a spike in malicious activity from both commercially-motivated and state-based actors. The former head of the ADF's information warfare division discusses the need for greater urgency and accountability among stakeholders, across both the public and private sectors. Dr Thompson highlights the value of sovereign cyber capability, explaining why Australia should reduce its dependence on foreign service providers to address local challenges. The retired MAJGEN, who serves as an adviser on the boards of a number of organisations, also discusses the need to fill cyber security skills gaps to ensure future generations are equipped to address emerging challenges in the domain. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Simon Kelland, partner and principal consultant, Scotwork, joins host Phil Tarrant to offer tips for stakeholders negotiating defence deals amid industry disruption. Drawing from years of experience in the sector, Kelland explains how recent disruptions, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, have changed attitudes towards the negotiation process, providing opportunities for SMEs to leverage technology to their advantage. Kelland outlines techniques available to stakeholders looking to renegotiate a deal no longer suited to their business' circumstances. The consultant also explains why flexibility is critical, explaining how stakeholders can be better prepared to manage unexpected changes to a contractual arrangement. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Royal Marine Commando veteran Mark Ormrod MBE was the first person to survive a triple amputation following an IED blast during the War in Afghanistan.

Following his lifechanging injury, Mark persevered to craft an internationally renowned career as a motivational speaker, author and athlete, having won seven medals at the Invictus Games in Sydney.

On the podcast, Mark discusses how he continues to live the Royal Marine Commando mindset to overcome life's challenges. Alongside Joe Vince, Head of Strategy for Defence, Cyber & Aerospace at Momentum Media who likewise served as a Royal Marine Commando, the pair examine how this attitude can be applied in any part of life whether professional or personal to overcome adversity.

The podcast wraps up discussing Mark's upcoming book, looking at his post-military journey and how he continued to conquer his injury.

Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team