Defence & Security Podcast Network

Nova Systems' 20-year anniversary in business is a testament to the organisation's commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and delivering value to its stakeholders.

On this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, the company's founder and chairman, Jim Whalley, and CEO, Steve Robinson, join host Phil Tarrant to reflect on the genesis story of Nova Systems, the evolution of the organisation over the last two decades, and the story behind their infamous safari suit tradition.

They discuss how COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of Australia's sovereign defence and industrial capabilities, share their recommendations for emerging SMEs in the defence sector, and forecast what the future holds for the business.

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The Defence Connect team

In the wake of the coronavirus crisis, a global shortage of protective face shields prompted a collaborative project between the Department of Defence and a local SME to help support medical workers battling the virus on the frontline.

On this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Phil Tarrant s joined by Ben Barona, program leader of research and engineering at Defence Science and Technology (DST), and Craig Maynard, general manager of Axiom Precision Manufacturing, to share the story behind this critical partnership.

Barona and Maynard delve into the history of the decade-long relationship between DST and Axiom, the process of turning the protective shield project around in a matter of days, and the most effective way for SMEs to position themselves to attract good opportunities.

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The Defence Connect team

On this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Major General Mick Ryan AM and host Phil Tarrant delve into the importance of developing the intellectual advantage of Australia's defence community.

MAJGEN Ryan breaks down his role as the commander of the Australian Defence College, how Australia's training and education programs compare to its allies, and what advantages Australia has in terms of rolling out professional development.

MAJGEN Ryan shares how the Australian Defence College is embracing the transition to fifth-generation, how the organisation has adapted to a COVID-19 learning environment, and his predictions for the future focal issues of defence education.

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The Defence Connect team

Dubbed "Australia's most sacred place" by Prime Minister Scott Morrison in his recent Anzac Day address, the Australian War Memorial is the nation's tribute to the courage and sacrifice of generations of men and women who served in war.

On this episode of Defence Connect Podcast, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Matthew Anderson to discuss his pathway to being appointed the War Memorial's director just a few weeks ago, how the institution fared on facilitating a remote commemoration of Anzac Day, and his priorities over the coming months in his new role.

Anderson explains how his team are navigating the disruptive environment of COVID-19, why the $498 million slated for the landmark's development is critical for the local economy, and how the Australian defence industry can be more involved in supporting the War Memorial's objectives.

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The Defence Connect team

Major General Marcus Thompson AM has been the head of the Information Warfare Division at the Department of Defence since its establishment in 2017.

MAJGEN Thompson joins hosts Phil Tarrant and Steve Kuper on this episode of Defence Connect Insight Podcast to discuss what prompted the formation of the division, and how his strategy strikes a balance between reactively responding to emerging threats and proactively looking to the future.

The Major General outlines the qualities he looks for in recruiting talent to his team, the important distinction between national resilience and security, and the role of the ADF and, more specifically, his division, in responding to significant events such as COVID-19 and the Australian bushfires.

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The Defence Connect team

On this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Phil Tarrant and deputy editor Steve Kuper recap the biggest national security and defence industry headlines over the past few weeks. They reflect on the ongoing challenge to national sovereignty in the face of COVID-19, the complexities surrounding Australia's position in the Indo-Pacific, and a major milestone for Navy's OPV program. Phil and Steve also delve into Japan's decision to locally develop their next-gen fighter, the Royal Navy's acceptance of HMS Audacious, and updates on the SEA 1000 future submarine project.

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The Defence Connect team

On this episode of Defence Connect Insight Podcast, visiting fellow at the Griffith University Asia Institute, Dr Peter Layton, unpacks the forward-looking problem-solving approach that is grand strategy.

Dr Layton and host Steve Kuper delve into the importance of building such a strategy for Australia, why China's expansion into the Pacific could be a cause for concern, and how Australia can respond to this challenge in light of its long-term objectives.

Dr Layton explains the difference between grand strategy and national interest, who is responsible for co-ordinating this approach, and how other middle powers have tackled the implementation of grand strategies to their benefit.

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The Defence Connect team

Northrop Grumman is making headway on its goal of locally manufacturing all assets of its unmanned minehunting system AQS-24B for use within Australia.

Tune in to this episode of Defence Connect Podcast with host Phil Tarrant to hear from the company's director of international mine warfare programs, Gene Cumm, on its accomplishments over the past year.

Cumm reveals the finer details of the AQS-24B platform, how Northrop Grumman was involved in Australian mine warfare Exercise Dugong, and which manufacturer received the organisation's first Australian purchase order.

He also delves into how successful the platform has been in servicing the US Navy, the attitudes of the US defence sector towards Australian manufacturers, and how he predicts the program will develop within the next year.

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The Defence Connect team

Veterans Darren Schuback and Ryan Carmichael established The Whiskey Project with the intent of disrupting the maritime technology space, launching the kind of modular tactical watercraft they wished they'd had access to when they served.

Schuback and Carmichael join host Phil Tarrant on this episode of Defence Connect Podcast to share how their career paths merged into founding their business, the shortfalls of other watercraft on the market, and how their model has been designed to adapt to Navy requirements moving forward.

They further outline the process of designing and generating their vessel, how they are funding the project, and the important role it plays in addressing the safety and performance concerns of the Australian defence sector.

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The Defence Connect team

On this episode of Defence Connect Insight Podcast, Andrew Hastie MP joins hosts Phil Tarrant and Steve Kuper to break down the unique dynamics of the relationship between Australia and China.

The federal member for Canning and chair of the parliamentary joint committee on intelligence and security dissects China's rising influence in the Pacific, the security challenges China poses to Australia's national sovereignty, and how Australia can navigate this complex relationship to improve its national security.

Hastie shares his career trajectory to becoming a member of Parliament, why it's critical to approach negotiations from a position of strength, and how history should inform one's strategic insight.

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The Defence Connect team