Defence & Security Podcast Network

Austal has set the benchmark for successful Australian defence companies with a strong export focus, regularly securing multimillion-dollar defence and commercial contracts overseas, most recently landing a further contract for the Independence Class littoral combat ship (LCS) with the US Navy. Defence Connect caught up with Austal's chief executive David Singleton at the Pacific 2017 International Maritime Exposition to discuss how Austal achieved its phenomenal success overseas, closing the cost gap between south-east Asia and Australia, his views on the success of the 2016 Defence White Paper thus far and the future of Henderson.

The Royal Navy marked a major millstone recently with the start of construction of the Type 26 Frigate. The Type 26, also known as the Global Combat Ship, will partially replace the Royal Navy's Type 23 anti-submarine frigates, with the first three Type 26s approved for construction by the UK Ministry of Defence as part of a £3.7 billion ($6 billion) contract. Designed and built by BAE Systems, the Type 26 is also one of three solutions being considered by the Royal Australian Navy to replace its aging ANZAC class frigates as part of the SEA 5000 program. With anti-submarine warfare (ASW) at the core of its DNA, the Royal Navy has pegged its future naval capabilities on the Type 26. Join Defence Connect host Phillip Tarrant with his guests Commander Richard Hutchings, Fleet ASW Officer, Royal Navy, and Commander Andy Kellett, Navy Ships Type 26 GCS Requirements Manager, Royal Navy, as they discuss the evolving domain of ASW and how the Type 26 will support UK sea-power in the decades ahead. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team www.defenceconnect.com.au

As part of a national program, a Future Submarine Industry Briefing took place in Sydney at Pacific 2017 on Wednesday, 4 October. Australian companies, R&D and educational institutions heard from the future submarine enterprise – CASG, Naval Group and Lockheed Martin Australia – in regard to opportunities available in the program and how they can work collaboratively to deliver a sovereign and regionally superior submarine capability for Australia. Tune in to our exclusive recording of the briefing. www.defenceconnect.com.au

QinetiQ Australia has set ambitious growth targets as it seeks to capitalise on increased government defence spending and the gamut of projects now underway across land, air and sea. The strengthening of its board has been a key priority, in line with a focused strategy to deliver value to defence customers. Join Defence Connect as we speak with key board members, including Rear Admiral (Ret'd) Raydon Gates, Air Vice Marshal (Ret'd) Margaret Staib and Air Vice Marshal (Ret'd) Mark Skidmore, and uncover opportunities for the business in the period ahead. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team www.defenceconnect.com.au

Lockheed Martin marked a major milestone yesterday, with the formal announcement that the Aegis Combat System has been chosen to equip the new Australian Navy frigates to be built under the SEA 5000 program. Join Dale Bennett, Lockheed Martin executive vice president, rotary and mission systems, and Vince Di Pietro, chief executive of Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand, as they discuss the company's outlook for growth in Australia, observations on naval strategy and the evolving strategic landscape, plus the very important role people will play in supporting defence and defence industry in the period ahead. Enjoy the podcast, www.defenceconnect.com.au

Leonardo's involvement in Australian defence dates back to the late 1800s, when one of its heritage businesses provided torpedoes to individual Australian states. It's connectivity with the industry still remains – and it's still providing torpedoes. Join executive chairman of Leonardo Australia Michael Lenton and Defence Connect host Phillip Tarrant as they explore some of the history of Leonardo and the role the business is playing in today's evolving defence industry. As well as a number of Australian-first innovations, such as networked data links for ship-to-ship communications, the business is actively delivering the SEA 1442 program to much effect. Enjoy the podcast, www.defenceconnect.com.au

In the latest episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Dr Jason Held, CEO of Saber Astronautics joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss the defence industry, space and how it has developed throughout the years. Jason talks about the future prospects of a domestic space agency in Australia as "Space is the ultimate high ground." With a PdD in aerospace and mechatronics, the former Space Commander reveals how "goal was to solve all the things that annoyed" him, how he formed his company he describes as "as a commercial R&D laboratory", how he leverages technological advances and how he created a beer you can drink in space! Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team. www.defenceconnect.com.au

In this special episode of the Defence Connect podcast, His Excellency Dr Jose Ramos-Horta takes us through Timor-Leste's endeavour towards independence, harmony and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and his deep respect for the Australian Defence Force going all the way back to World War II. The Nobel Laureate and UN special representative tells us tales of the ADF in Timor-Leste and why the Timorese want Australia to play a larger role in the region. The Defence Connect Team, www.defenceconnect.com.au

This week on the Defence Connect Podcast, Leidos managing director Christine takes us through her passion for defence and the participation of women in the industry, how she came into the role of managing director of one of Australia's largest primes and what worries her most about the future for the business. Join as we discuss the fundamentals of people and culture in defence business, staying connected within the technology world and Leidos' fundamental role in providing a backbone for Australia's intelligence services. www.defenceconnect.com.au Facebook - http://bit.ly/2xx3zpK Twitter - http://bit.ly/2yrqQHL LinkedIn -http://bit.ly/2xg5zDb