Defence & Security Podcast Network

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, news editor Charbel Kadib and editor of Australian Aviation Adam Thorn join host Phil Tarrant to discuss the latest developments in military aviation. The team begin by addressing the latest COVID-19 outbreak in NSW and its potential implications on the commercial and military aviation industries. The trio then reflect on the Royal Australian Air Force's 100-year anniversary, discussing the evolution in air power, including the recent integration of the fifth-generation F-35A fleet. Tarrant, Kadib, and Thorn also touch upon the recent testing of RAAF capability across a number of major military exercises, including Exercise Arnhem Thunder and Exercise Rogue Ambush. Finally, the team delve into the latest military aviation news, including the suspension of the MRH-90 Taipan fleet and the greenlighting of Defence's purchase of 29 Boeing-built Apache aircraft.

Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, news editor Charbel Kadib joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss the latest defence and geopolitical developments.

Tarrant and Kadib begin by discussing the historic flight of the Royal Australian Air Force's F-35A aircraft, which took to the skies with a full arsenal for the first time.

The pair then discuss the government's recent data sovereignty push in the face of growing cyber security threats, with a new framework set up to ensure government data is stored onshore.

Tarrant and Kadib also reference the latest cross-domain military exercises undertaken in the lead up to Exercise Talisman Sabre, including Exercise Sea Explorer, which involved the first ever deployment of Abrams tanks in amphibious operations.

Last but certainly not least, the pair comment on the Commonwealth government's recent decision to invest approximately $6 billion in life-of-type-extensions for all six Collins Class submarines.

Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Glen Ferrarotto, founder of Ironside Recruiting, joins the Defence Connect team to discuss his journey from army through to business owner. Holding several jobs along the way, Glen details the difficulties he had to overcome in finding employment in his post-service life, and shares some helpful tips for Australia's veteran community.

The podcast also dives into veteran organisations such as the RSL, and how community groups help to foster a network to support post-military employment.

Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, deputy editor of Defence Connect Liam Garman and news editor Charbel Kadib join host Phil Tarrant to discuss the latest developments emerging from Land Forces 2021. The team discuss the defence technology on display in the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC), showcasing an array of platforms built to enhance capability in the land domain. Garman and Kadib delve into the latest news emerging from the expo, including major developments from the Commonwealth government's LAND 8710, LAND 125 and LAND 400 programs. The team also provides insight into Defence Connect's ethos, explaining how the brand aims to contribute to the development of Australia's defence industry by informing stakeholders and facilitating cross-industry engagement. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, CEO of BAE Systems Australia Gabby Costigan provides listeners with an operational update of BAE's programs in Australia including the recent milestones that the company has achieved with the Hunter Class Frigate program.

Costigan continues by describing the role that BAE Systems has played in facilitating the growth of Australia's shipbuilding industry, as well as how the company is facilitating the expansion of Australia's sovereign defence industry and workforce.

The podcast closes with a discussion about the array of other innovative concepts spearheaded by BAE, including the company's autonomous systems which have contributed to Boeing's Loyal Wingman and other potential collaborations with the Australian Army.

Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price and shadow minister for defence industry Matt Keogh discuss their competing agendas for supporting Australian industry capability. The policymakers begin by outlining their competing platforms, explaining how they plan to support the development of the local defence industry. Minister Price and Keogh then delve into the Commonwealth government's 2021-22 budget, assessing the adequacy of current funding commitments for defence industry projects. The pair go on to discuss the importance of building Australia's workforce to ensure long-term support for key defence capabilities across the warfighting domains. Finally, Minister Price and Keogh weigh in on the current geopolitical environment, outlining whether they believe the ADF is sufficiently equipped to manage emerging threats.

Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, John Blaxland, Professor of International Security and Intelligence Studies, Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, at the Australian National University, weighs in on Australia's defence and national security agenda. Professor Blaxland, a veteran of the Australian Army, begins by explaining how he transitioned into a career in academia, and reflects on his latest work. He notes the growing interest in international security education among young Australians, and the value of increased geopolitical awareness in preparing the nation for future challenges. The Army veteran then discusses current and emerging threats to Australia's peace and security, particularly following the ramp up in grey-zone aggression from China. Professor Blaxland goes on to question whether the ADF is adequately equipped to respond to new and emerging threats, given the changing nature of warfare. The ANU professor concludes by proposing short and long-term recommendations aimed at advancing Australia's place in the world and establishing an inter-generational security framework. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senator for Victoria and chair of the parliamentary joint committee on intelligence and security James Paterson discusses the importance of building national resilience amid growing security risks. Senator Paterson begins by outlining his responsibilities as chair of the joint committee on intelligence and security and the role he plays in informing defence and foreign policy.

The senator explains why the conversation around national resilience has become "mainstream", and notes the importance of better informing the broader community about emerging security challenges.

He then discusses the future of the Indo-Pacific, and weighs in on the likelihood of kinetic confrontation with China.

Senator Paterson goes on to highlight the importance of Australia's regional and international alliances with specific reference to the evolution of the Quad.

Finally, Senator Paterson discusses the federal government's proposal to introduce new critical infrastructure legislation, designed to ensure businesses that are "systemically important" receive the assistance they need to counter foreign threats.

Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, vice president and managing director of Boeing Defence Australia, Scott Carpendale, discusses the aerospace company's ongoing contribution to enhancing defence capability and supporting the growth of local industry.

Carpendale begins by discussing his transition into a leadership role following his appointment in 2019, and outlines how he's sought to ensure BDA remains a "significant player" in Australia's defence ecosystem.

The MD then reflects on the evolution of the local defence industry over the past few decades and BDA's role in fostering a collaborative spirit between stakeholders to achieve long-term goals.

Carpendale goes on to highlight the opportunities around BDA's pipeline of sustainment and production activity, particularly the Loyal Wingman program, which he says could serve as a model for shaping Australia's future defence industry strategy.

Finally, the managing director outlines BDA's plan to attract skilled labour and build the company's local workforce.

Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

This edition of the Defence Connect podcast begins by analysing the technological breakthroughs undertaken by Northrop Grumman and the broader industry within the air warfighting domain alongside Chris Deeble, chief executive of Northrop Grumman Australia. Dr Jackie Craig then draws on her scientific expertise and 26 years of service with the Defence Science and Technology Group to unpack how new intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and air fighting capabilities will support the RAAF and broader ADF's strategic mission. She continues by discussing how the Defence Science and Technology Group was able to broaden existing technologies, in order to make them adaptable to the ADF requirements. The podcast finishes with an analysis of what technology is on the horizon over the next 20 years. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team