🔍 Episode Summary:

In this episode, we sit down with the Chief Technology Officer of Department 13, a leading Australian counter-drone company, to explore how they’re reshaping the fight against rogue and non-cooperative drone threats.

We dive into the real-world challenge of drone detection and takeover, the philosophy behind resilient electronic warfare systems, and why traditional jamming isn’t enough. From audio signal processing to RF exploitation, the CTO shares his unique journey from self-taught software engineer to leading one of Australia’s most advanced drone defense tech teams.

This episode unpacks how Department 13 is building smart, low-signature, protocol-based takeover systems that don’t just jam—they outthink.

🔑 Key Topics Covered:

• From Hacking Audio to Drones – How a career in digital audio signal processing evolved into RF-based drone defense.

• Protocol-Based Takeover – Why precision, not power, wins the counter-drone battle.

• Resilience Over Reaction – Designing systems that anticipate future threats, not just today’s.

• Non-Cooperative Users – The growing problem of unauthorized drones over prisons, critical infrastructure, and conflict zones.

• Real-World Deployments – How Department 13 detects hundreds more drones than site owners expect.

• System-of-Systems Mindset – Why integration, not competition, is the key to solving drone threats at scale.

If you’re interested in how to counter the growing threat of small drones—without starting an RF arms race—this is one you don’t want to miss.

Find out more about D13 at their website:

https://department13.com/

or contact on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/department13

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www.ttpod.net/

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