Defence & Security Podcast Network

"Why do we want a defence industry as distinct from any other industry in this country? What is it about this industry, such that we want to make it a national mission?" poses Richard Marles, the Australian opposition defence spokesman. In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Marles is in the studio to explain why a self-sustained, export-focused defence industry is critical to the Australian economy and how the government can best maximise the industry's potential. Tune in as he and host Phil Tarrant go in-depth on the shifting sands of the defence industry – from long-standing international relationships, to manufacturing and procurement, and how the government can better engage with local SME talent to bring its national mission of self-sustainability to fruition. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team. Visit www.defenceconnect.com.au for more insight!

While there's no easy way in to defence as an SME, Peter Freed says the industry's willingness to accept a "degree of risk" could allow small businesses like his own to successfully operate in that space. Joining host Phil Tarrant for this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, the managing director for software solutions provider, Cirrus Real Time Processing Systems, explains why he's a champion for local SME talent and explores the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for small businesses in defence. Tune in to hear how Freed overcame his own challenges to establish a successful business in the defence industry, but why, despite his success, he won't try to conquer the world. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team.

There are few benefits to being a jack of all trades in the defence industry, says Stephen Renkert, with many emerging businesses making the mistake of defining themselves too broadly. In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, the Electrotech managing director joins host Phil Tarrant to share his tips with SMEs on how they can identify opportunities within the defence space, better engage with primes and make themselves more attractive prospects to secure major defence contracts. You'll also hear Renkert's own success story about how over the course of his three decade-long career, he led the navigation and communication equipment business through the highs and lows of the defence industry to achieve Electrotech's long-standing reputation and success. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team.

Stephane Ibos says he's an entrepreneur at heart, pushing boundaries and driving innovation in order to further the technological capabilities of the SME space. The former Thales program manager joins host Phil Tarrant for this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast to explain why a love of innovation spurred him to leave the defence industry and co-found Maestrano – a cloud integration platform featuring applications that support the running of startups and SMEs. Tune in as the duo go in depth on innovation in defence – from why there's not enough room for creation, to the slow-moving and restrictive defence cycle, to how the government can fuel more innovation within the industry – and why they believe that without it, the Australian defence force could be left behind. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team.

The Australian manufacturing industry is often politically charged, with various state governments petitioning for projects that will stimulate the economy and fuel job growth. Jens Goennemann, managing director of the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre, says the Australian defence industry could do all of this and more – but while the industry is strong on research, its weakness lies in actually commercialising its manufacturing potential. In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Goennemann joins host Phil Tarrant to explain what manufacturing is and what it is not, as well as share his thoughts on what Australian businesses can do to transform defence capabilities to give the Australian economy the boost it needs and the defence force a stronger global presence. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, DMTC chief executive Mark Hodge joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss the opportunities for Australian defence technology and how the defence force can better participate in active global programs to demonstrate its presence. Together, the duo also discuss how DMTC has evolved beyond a one-time military contract into a burgeoning business, how they balance meeting the needs of the industry with providing more opportunities for local businesses, as well as what projects DMTC will work on next to further develop the technological capabilities of the Australian defence industry. http://www.defenceconnect.com.au

With the federal government's budget announcement also came its declaration of support for the defence industry with a major increase to the sector's spending. Philippe Odouard, CEO for Xtek, says that the increase is 'significant', marking the government's recognition of the industry and its potential for growth. Tune in to the Defence Connect Podcast as Odouard discusses new opportunities for defence, how he plans to grow Xtek worldwide, as well as his thoughts on the accomplishments he's achieved since his appointment to the role of CEO late last year. Enjoy the show, The Defence Connect team. http://www.defenceconnect.com.au

With competition heating up between the states and territories to secure lucrative defence contracts, Defence Connect chatted with Greg Combet, Victorian defence industry advocate, to hear how Victoria is shaping up as a strong contender and influencer of the Australian defence industry. As a former federal politician, trade unionist and engineer, Greg Combet has had vast experience in shaping industries and interfacing with complex workforces. Combet discusses the ins and outs of his role as defence industry advocate, what Victoria is doing to secure the LAND 400 project and the importance of a national approach to defence industry. http://www.defenceconnect.com.au

Innovation has always offered tactical advantages on the battlefield and the emergence of geospatial technology has fundamentally changed modern warfare. In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast Amir Farhand, CEO and founder of start-up the Takor Group, offers his insights into the advantages of geospatial technology on the modern battlefield and how forward-thinking military units are rushing to equip its soldiers, sailors and airmen with this game-changing resource. And it's just the beginning. Applications of geospatial technologies are evolving at a rapid pace. Tune in to hear how the Takor Group is driving the marriage of geospatial technology with the military, how they've cracked the US supply chain and ambitions plans for an ASX listing in the near future. http://www.defenceconnect.com.au

The application and implication of drone technology is changing the face of combat. Some defence strategists and key ADF leadership claim the majority of warfighting will be done by unmanned platforms within 50 years, with all arms of the military working at pace to embrace drone technology. The Federal government is firmly behind this, with remotely-operated platforms a key priority of the $640 million Defence Innovation Hub. The ever-developing technology driving drone manufacture, utilisation and deployment is changing the business of defence, and touching Australians at all levels. In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast we discuss this evolution with Ron Bartsch, one of Australia's preeminent influencers on drones, president of the Australian RPAS Consortium and co-author if the new book, Drones in Society.. Ron not only reveals Australia's world-leading position in legislation and controls over the usage of drones, but the need to maintain this and to drive ahead with a whole-of-government solution to ensure that Australia develops and maintains its advantages. Moreover, how a dedicated strategic focus on drone development offers battlefield superiority, not only in the delivery of ordinance but also surveillance and intelligence plus speedy medical treatment. Enjoy the show. http://www.defenceconnect.com.au