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Defence & Security Podcast Network — Government
Defence & Security Podcast Network

The Defence & Security Podcast Network hosts a unique series of podcasts, featuring discussions with key enablers from across the Australian defence and security industry.

The podcasts provide the perfect blend of business intelligence and insights from a range of guests, which include government officials, ADF personnel, industry stakeholders, and members of the academic community.

By aligning ourselves with the ADF and the Commonwealth government, we are uniquely placed to deliver a dynamic 360° platform that bridges the gap between the customer (Defence) and industry.

We split our focus not just into the traditional sectors of Land (Army), Air (Air Force) and Sea (Navy), but into the six new Capability Streams:

– Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Electronic Warfare and Cyber
– Key Enablers
– Air and Sea Lift
– Maritime and Anti-Submarine Warfare
– Strike and Air Combat
– Land Combat and Amphibious Warfare

As Defence moves to ensure the Force Structure Review and the First Principles Review: Creating One Defence plans are met, Australian industry involvement is critical for mission success.

The Defence & Security Podcast Network will provide you and your business with valuable lessons, tips and insights into the industry, putting your company in the best position to take part in the increased Defence spending.

We’ll cover every aspect of doing business in the defence industry, from the tender process to recruitment, success stories, access points to Defence, smart business strategies, and geopolitical insights.

Subscribe to the Defence & Security Podcast Network and be part of this exciting and innovative industry.

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Latest Episodes:

CYBER UNCUT: Genetec's Mathieu Chevalier on tricking AI and what Claude Mythos really means for the industry Jun 01, 2026

Show notes

Genetec's lead security architect joins the Cyber Uncut podcast to unpack the impact of AI on vulnerability hunting, prompt injection, and how to become invisible with one simple trick. This week on the Cyber Uncut podcast, host David Hollingworth speaks with Genetec's lead security architect, Mathieu Chevalier, about how AI is dramatically impacting both physical and cyber security, the hidden costs of Anthropic's Claude Mythos, and why AI speed must always be matched with human intelligence.

But first, Chevalier shares his simple trick to appear invisible to AI with the assistance of just one page of text – or maybe just a T-shirt!

The pair then dive into how AI empowers Genetec's security platforms, the rising costs of every AI prompt, and the true power of vulnerability hunting in a post-Mythos world.

"I would say the best practices are not established now. It's still so new, and changing so fast," Chevalier says.

"So we're kind of trying to learn all together, as a cyber security community, how to do this."

Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team

Australia's first 3D printed autonomous USV, with Josh Wigley and Harry Hubbert May 29, 2026

Show notes

How can the new guard of Australian defence technology companies accelerate development of autonomous maritime capability through rapid manufacturing and AI-enabled uncrewed systems? In this special Indian Ocean Defence & Security Conference & Exhibition episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Hyperion Systems CEO Josh Wigley and Greenroom Robotics co-founder and chief operations officer Harry Hubbert. Hyperion and Greenroom Robotics have partnered to develop the southern hemisphere's first 3D printed uncrewed surface vessel. The craft combines rapid additive manufacturing with Australian autonomy software to deliver a scalable and adaptable maritime platform. Wigley and Hubbert discuss the rapid development of the 4.6-metre USV, including Hyperion's use of recycled Australian plastics and large-scale 3D printing technology alongside Greenroom Robotics' autonomous navigation and mission software. The podcast conversation includes the following topics:

Development of the southern hemisphere's first 3D printed autonomous USV.
The use of sovereign Australian autonomy software for navigation and mission control.
Rapid manufacturing techniques and the role of additive manufacturing in accelerating defence capability delivery.
Potential operational applications including ISR, persistent surveillance, logistics support and mine warfare.
Lessons drawn from modern conflicts, including Ukraine, and the importance of adaptable autonomous systems.
The role of sovereign supply chains, recycled materials and scalable production in Australia's future maritime capability.

Finally, the discussion explores the future role of autonomous and uncrewed maritime systems within the Royal Australian Navy, including how Australian industry can rapidly scale sovereign capability development to meet evolving strategic requirements. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Australia's shipbuilding future, landing craft pipeline and autonomous vessels, with Austal CEO Paddy Gregg May 28, 2026

Show notes

How is Australia's naval shipbuilding sector preparing for a new generation of landing craft, autonomous maritime systems and general purpose frigates? In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Paddy Gregg, chief executive officer of Austal, speaking directly from the Indian Ocean Defence & Security Conference in Perth.

Austal is one of Australia's leading naval shipbuilders and is currently progressing the Landing Craft Medium and Landing Craft Heavy programs under the federal government's Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement alongside continued production of Evolved Cape Class patrol vessels for the Royal Australian Navy and Australian Border Force.

Gregg discusses the timeline for construction of the new landing craft fleet, developments in sovereign supply chains and workforce growth, and Austal's preparation for future involvement in the general purpose frigate program based on the Japanese Mogami Class design. The podcast conversation includes the following topics:

Construction timelines and design progress for the Landing Craft Medium and Landing Craft Heavy programs.
Development of Australian supply chains and workforce expansion to support continuous naval shipbuilding.
Austal's role in the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement and preparations for future frigate construction in Western Australia.
The ongoing production and operational success of the Evolved Cape Class patrol vessel fleet.
Hanwha's increased shareholding in Austal and the potential for future industrial and technology collaboration.
Austal's growing experience in autonomous and uncrewed maritime systems, including projects conducted in both Australia and the United States.

Finally, the discussion explores the growing importance of autonomous vessels and uncrewed systems in future naval warfare and Australia's evolving maritime capability requirements.

Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

CONTESTED GROUND: Assessing the fallout and implications of the latest Trump–Xi meeting for Iran, Taiwan and Australia May 27, 2026

Show notes

When the leaders of the world's two major powers meet, the world stops to take notice and nowhere is this clearer than in the recent meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.

There is no escaping the fact that the US–China relationship will be the defining factor of the 21st century, for good or for ill.

Join Contested Ground hosts, Steve Kuper and Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson, as they deep dive into the real-world ramifications and fallout following the meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.

The pair discuss the shared US–China interest in preventing a renewed trade war and keeping the fragile trade truce intact.

Strategically, Taiwan remains the most sensitive and unresolved issue. Xi Jinping frames it as the central risk in the bilateral relationship and warns of the consequences of mismanagement, while Trump largely avoids escalation during formal engagements, later suggesting continued engagement on the issue without committing to a clear stance.

Across the wider strategic agenda, the pair cover discussions on military posture, technology restrictions, sanctions and third-party conflicts such as Ukraine, Iran and the Middle East.

The pair also discuss the state mutual preference to avoid escalation amid broader global instability, including energy security concerns and supply chain fragility.

Finally, they discuss Xi's messaging, which emphasises long-term great-power coexistence, multipolar stability and opposition to bloc confrontation. This presents China as a steady global actor advocating managed competition alongside the traditional Trump approach of more transactional realpolitik, centred on trade, investment flows and market stability, with an emphasis on maintaining flexibility and direct leader-to-leader communication.

Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

CYBER UNCUT: Don't let AI control your bank account, Qilin hackers target Australia, and law enforcement strikes back! May 25, 2026

Show notes

Daniel Croft and David Hollingworth tackle the challenges of linking your finances to an AI agent, break down the Qilin ransomware group's Aussie rampage, the ransom payment dilemma, and round up a week of wins for fighting cyber crime. Australians may soon be able to link their banking details directly with platforms like OpenAI, but is that wise? Croft has recently uncovered a stellar example of why you may want to think twice before clicking "Yes".

The pair have been investigating a trio of Qilin ransomware attacks this week, and the victims are all investigating the hackers' claims – but Qilin is acting very strange and not sharing any details of the hacks themselves. Hollingworth and Croft have some suspicions, making this a threat intelligence assessment not to miss.

The podcast closes out with a week of law enforcement wins, with cyber criminals both abroad and at home getting their just deserts. You love to see it.

Just another week in cyber security.

Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team

Missile manufacturing, Collins LOTE upgrades and submarine base east May 21, 2026

Show notes

Can Australia's defence industrial base and military modernisation efforts keep pace with growing strategic pressures and capability demands?

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, journalist Bethany Alvaro and senior journalist Robert Dougherty discuss Kongsberg's missile manufacturing facility in Newcastle and plans to produce Naval Strike Missiles and Joint Strike Missiles in Australia.

The discussion also explores the federal government's launch of the Collins Class life of type extension program, designed to sustain Australia's submarine capability during the transition towards the future AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine fleet.

Attention then turns to the delivery of additional AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to the Australian Army.

The podcast also examines reports identifying Port Kembla as the preferred east coast base for Australia's future nuclear submarine fleet, as well as Operator XR securing its first European defence contract with the Swedish Armed Forces for virtual reality tactical training systems.

Rounding out the episode, the team analyses Russia's recent Victory Day parade, including the reduced display of military hardware and the growing influence of drone warfare.

Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

CYBER UNCUT: Budget priorities, paying ransoms, and Cyber Daily chats with Frank Briguglio, FCTO at SailPoint May 18, 2026

Show notes

Daniel Croft and David Hollingworth analyse the Albanese government's budget, the Instructure breach and ransom payments, and Dan Marks from Austrade chats with SailPoint's federal chief technology officer. Jim Chalmers has handed down another Labor budget, and while it seems like not a lot for cyber security, Hollingworth thinks the heavy lifting has already been done – do you agree?

Then it's on to a massive issue – do you pay a ransom to cyber criminals? That is possibly what learning platform provider Instructure may have done. The pair break that down, from the morality to the fact that sometimes, that may be the best choice. But can you trust a criminal? The jury, as they say, is out.

And once again, we are joined by Dan Marks, investment director and cyber security lead for Austrade, who sat down with Frank Briguglio, federal chief technology officer at SailPoint, at the recent RSA Conference.

Just another week in cyber security.

Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team

Aerobatics, military aviation and Australian air shows, with Paul Bennet May 15, 2026

Show notes

What drives the passion behind flying and preserving some of the world's most iconic military aircraft?

And how can air shows inspire the next generation of aviators, engineers and defence personnel?

Find out in this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast as senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by aerobatic pilot and renowned warbird aviation enthusiast Paul Bennet, founder of Paul Bennet Airshows.

Fresh from preparation flights for Australia's largest regional air show, Wings Over Shellharbour 2026, Bennet discusses his lifelong passion for aviation, which began with model aircraft and evolving into flying aerobatic aircraft and some of the world's most recognisable warbirds.

Bennet operates and flies an extensive collection of historic and aerobatic aircraft, including the Hawker Sea Fury, de Havilland Vampire, F4U Corsair, CAC Wirraway, T-28 Trojan, Grumman Avenger and two Yak-52 aircraft. He maintains the collection while regularly flying Mustang, Kitty Hawk and Hurricane fighters alongside competing in aerobatics and performing internationally.

Drawing on decades of experience in aviation operations, aircraft ownership and international air show performances, Bennet discusses the engineering, maintenance and operational realities of preserving historic military aircraft while promoting aviation to future generations.

The podcast conversation includes the following topics:

The origins of Bennet's passion for aviation, aerobatics and warbird aircraft. Flying characteristics and performance differences between aircraft, including the Sea Fury, Spitfire, Mustang and early jet aircraft such as the Vampire. The operational challenges of maintaining historic military aircraft, including sourcing parts, engineering replacements and preserving authenticity. Australia's warbird preservation community, aviation museums and the importance of supporting historic aircraft collections. The rarity and restoration difficulties associated with Axis aircraft such as the Japanese Zero and German Bf 109. The role of air shows in promoting aviation, defence recruitment and STEM education pathways for young Australians. Comparisons between Australian, US and South Korean air show culture and military participation. Opportunities for collaboration between the defence industry, aviation enthusiasts and advanced manufacturing supply chains in Australia as well as the give and take of working with the Australian Defence Force. Career pathways into aviation, including military aviation, commercial flying, aerobatics and flight instruction.

Finally, the discussion explores the future of Australian air shows, the importance of growing aviation engagement nationally, and Bennet's ambitions to continue expanding both his aircraft collection and international air show presence.

Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

CONTESTED GROUND: Australia and the West must ask themselves new questions in the face of the modern world, with Robbin Laird May 11, 2026

Show notes

Each and every day, the world is becoming more unpredictable, yet Australia continues with the post-Cold War status quo. As things continue to deteriorate, we're going to have to ask ourselves some particularly confronting questions.

Australia and its allies are entering an "age of chaos" in which the assumptions that shaped the post-Cold War order are rapidly breaking down.

Rather than dealing with isolated crises that can be managed and resolved individually, governments, militaries, and societies are now confronting overlapping and mutually reinforcing disruptions, including strategic competition, technological upheaval, economic fragmentation, supply chain vulnerability, and the rise of networked authoritarian powers.

Central to Australia's response is understanding the distinction between traditional "crisis management" and "chaos management". Crisis management assumes stability will eventually return and institutions can revert to previous norms once a disruption passes. Chaos management, by contrast, accepts that instability, uncertainty, and persistent competition are now enduring features of the strategic environment.

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by expert defence and security analyst and White House veteran Robbin Laird to discuss the impact of the emergence of the era of disruption.

This only becomes more important and pivotal as we grapple with the reality that the international system is no longer defined by uncontested Western dominance, nor is it returning to a simple Cold War-style bipolar structure.

Rather, the world is evolving into a fragmented and highly interconnected environment where economic dependency and geopolitical rivalry coexist simultaneously, particularly between the United States and China. This creates strategic complexity for middle powers such as Australia, whose decisions on defence, trade, industrial policy, and alliances will increasingly shape the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

Australia's response to this is recognising the growing importance of resilience and sovereign capability. The author argues that efficiency and globalisation can no longer be the sole priorities for democratic nations if they undermine strategic security. Supply chains, industrial capacity, digital infrastructure, and technological innovation are increasingly viewed as national security issues rather than purely economic considerations.

In this context, adaptability, redundancy, and the ability to rapidly regenerate capability are presented as critical determinants of national power. Ultimately, democratic nations must rethink how they approach leadership, preparedness, and strategy in a world defined by accelerating disruption.

Rather than attempting to restore an increasingly obsolete status quo, governments and institutions must develop the capacity to operate effectively amid prolonged uncertainty, while strengthening alliances, industrial resilience, and societal cohesion to navigate an increasingly contested global order.

Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground Team

Black Hawk capability, B-21 bomber debate, and upcoming budget May 11, 2026

Show notes

Questions remain around Australia's defence modernisation efforts. Can the nation continue expanding advanced capabilities while balancing cost, readiness, and strategic priorities? In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Robert Dougherty and Bethany Alvaro discuss concerns surrounding the Arafura Class offshore patrol vessel program, including delays, capability questions, and reductions to planned vessel numbers.

The discussion also explores the Australian Army's UH-60M Black Hawk fleet, emerging technologies such as sonic weapons and autonomous underwater systems, as well as sustainability in defence capability development.

Attention then turns to proposals for Australia to consider B-21 Raider bombers as part of its long-range strike capability, alongside broader questions surrounding AUKUS, defence spending, and strategic alignment with the United States.

Rounding out the episode, the team examines expectations ahead of the upcoming federal budget and what it could mean for future defence priorities.

Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

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