Australian Defence Magazine Podcast

Hosted by Australian Defence Magazine

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192

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Oct 2026

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Australian Defence Magazine (ADM) is dedicated to reporting the business of defence capability planning and procurement as well as reporting the development of infrastructure to support the ADF. ADM's main objective is to provide an essential communications bridge between defence industry and its single source customer, the Department of Defence. ADM also reports on the budgetary process, the policy development, the capability planning process and the procurement decisions which together provide the equipment and resources for Australia's defence force. This podcast showcases the people and topics of interest to ADM and supplements the content found in the magazine.

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October 13, 202632 min

C-UAS and the importance of sovereign development & data

In this episode, Grant McHerron talks with Ben Westgarth, CEO of Department 13, about detecting and countering uncrewed aerial systems and the importance of sovereign capability. We begin our discussion by exploring Department 13’s origins in the USA where it was focused on UAS detection, tracking, and electronic warfare capabilities before subsequently relocating to Australia. We then delve into the company's role in developing Counter-UAS technology for civilian and defence uses, and the company's involvement with Land 156 working with Leidos as system integrator to bring its DART system to the program. The conversation covers how Department 13 counters RF-controlled drones using layered approaches from cyber-level protocol manipulation to more powerful jamming techniques, aiming to reduce the threat's capability or capacity by breaking C2 links or hindering movement. This includes targeting less capable drones first before escalating response levels. We also discuss the critical importance of sovereign development for both hardware and software components in counter-UAS systems, citing supply chain vulnerabilities as a key reason why keeping core IP and capabilities within Australia is non-negotiable. Finally, we wrap up by considering future developments in drone technology requiring quick adaptation from operators and highlighting the need for local expertise to maintain national security. Links: Department 13 https://department13.com/ ------------------ The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au). The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer. If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via defmag@yaffa.com.au to get involved. ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence. For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan. Hosted by Grant McHerron Producer: Steve Visscher Editor: Chris Visscher Australian Defence Magazine - © 2026

October 11, 202619 min

Ukraine's Vivaldi, Pakistan hitting the Houthis & South Korea selling fuel to Russia

In this Global Outlook episode, we look at Ukraine halting the Russian advances on Donbas just in time for Putin's 74th birthday, Pakistan attacking the Houthis to help Saudi Arabia, and South Korea selling fuel to Russia while also helping Ukraine. We start with a look at Ukraine's Operation Vivaldi which has halted Russian plans to take key cities in the Donbas region, which included large UAVs delivering UGVs to cause havoc behind Russian lines. This has effectively defeated the Russian incursions and pushed them back just as the weather changes to reduce ground war options as Winter approaches. Russia's missile and drone attacks on power stations, fuel supplies and civilian targets in Ukraine are now likely to increase even more than has been seen in recent weeks. All of this is occurring at the time of Putin's 74th birthday which raises the question of his health and lack of a nominated successor, and could potentially mobilise opposing factions within Russia that will fight for control. The discussion then moves to the Middle East where the Saudi's have activated the assistance aspects of their recent agreement with Turkey and Pakistan. As a result, Pakistan are now attacking the Houthis, which may raise questions for India. The big topic for this episode, though, is the reports that the South Koreans are selling fuel, including Diesel, to Russia via sanctioned vessels, all while being on Ukraine's side. We look at the issue of North Korean POWs that Ukraine is holding, South Korea's previous dealings with Russia, North Korea's closer ties with Russia, and the sinking of a Russian cargo ship near Spain that was taking nuclear reactors to Vladivostok but was likely intended for North Korea. Is supplying fuel to Russia a way for South Korea to establish leverage over them, potentially influencing them to reduce their use of North Korean troops and the military and technical assistance they are providing, including weapons and nuclear reactors? Could the trust and trade disputes between the USA and South Korea be contributing to this? Could the USA leverage their nuclear assistance to South Korea to pressure them to cease supplying the fuel? If the US does use their nuclear technology for leverage, it could show AUKUS' leverage for forcing Australia to support their goals? Links: Drones above, robots below — inside Operation Vivaldi, Ukraine’s push to recapture territory in Donetsk Oblast https://kyivindependent.com/inside-operation-vivaldi-how-ukraine-uses-drones-robots-to-liberate-territory-in-donetsk-oblast/ ------------------ The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au). The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer. If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via defmag@yaffa.com.au to get involved. ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence. For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan. Hosted by Grant McHerron Producer: Steve Visscher Australian Defence Magazine - © 2026

October 7, 202631 min

BAE Systems' autonomous capabilities on land and in the air

In this episode, Grant McHerron visits BAE Systems Australia to meet with Stuart Bryden, Business Development & Strategy Manager, and Farid Hasan, Program Manager - Autonomy, to discuss the state of autonomous systems. We begin our discussion by exploring the company's long-standing involvement in autonomous systems, dating back nearly 40 years from programs like Nulka and ESSM. This history laid the groundwork for modern autonomy capabilities now seen on platforms such as Boeing's Ghost Bat and the Atlas UGV, via BAE Systems Australia’s Vehicle Management System. Next, we delve into the specifics of these systems, including the vehicle management software developed internally at BAE Systems that handles navigation, system health monitoring, and mission planning for Ghost Bat, Atlas, and a fleet of the Army's M113s armoured personnel carriers. The discussion then shifts to the Atlas program, a large eight-wheel-drive platform with an automated turret designed from scratch to operate autonomously both on and off-road, complementing manned counterparts such as infantry fighting vehicles and tanks. Furthermore, we examine how BAE Systems collaborates with partners such as TerraSense Analytics to enhance its autonomy suite through software and hardware integration, enabling faster development and deployment of capabilities like automatic target tracking. Finally, we consider the future trajectory of autonomy over the next decade, focusing on replacing humans in high-risk tasks for greater efficiency and asymmetric advantage. Links: BAE Systems Australia https://www.baesystems.com/en-aus/what-we-do/innovation ----------------- The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au). The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer. If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via defmag@yaffa.com.au to get involved. ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence. For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan. Hosted by Grant McHerron Producer: Steve Visscher Australian Defence Magazine - © 2026

October 6, 20265 min

Land Forces 2026 First Day Review

Grant McHerron asks Nigel Pittaway, Kylie Leonard, and Kirra Davey for their views on Day 1 of Land Forces 2026 which is being held in Perth. Lots of people, lots of buzz, and multiple announcements. Go to our Land Forces Day One website page for details: https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/land-forces-2026-day-1-coverage ------------------ The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au). The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer. If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via defmag@yaffa.com.au to get involved. ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence. For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan. Hosted by Grant McHerron Producer: Steve Visscher Australian Defence Magazine - © 2026

October 6, 202627 min

Scaling C-UAS capabilities with Praetorian Aeronautics

In this episode, Grant McHerron talks with Brett Hill, CEO and founder of Praetorian Aeronautics about scaling up counter uncrewed aerial systems capabilities and their partnership with Rheinmetall Defence Australia. We begin our discussion by exploring the inspiration behind Praetorian's name, which stems from Brett’s fascination with ancient Roman history, specifically the Praetorian Guard who were seen as protectors of democracy during the Republic. We delve into Praetorian's core mission of building counter-UAS capabilities to neutralise enemy drones and protect both military personnel and civil society from threats that would target military bases, power plants, or hospitals. Brett also introduces the Arrow autonomous interceptor system, now at TRL 7, powered by the Hadrian battle management system which fuses sensor data for situational awareness, and the Cerebrum AI system designed to enable one operator to manage multiple drone threats effectively while minimising collateral damage. We wrap up with a discussion of Praetorian's new partnership with Rheinmetall Defence Australia that is being announced at Land Forces 2026. Links: Praetorian Aeronautics https://praetorian-aeronautics.com/ ------------------ The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au). The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer. If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via defmag@yaffa.com.au to get involved. ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence. For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan. Hosted by Grant McHerron Producer: Steve Visscher Australian Defence Magazine - © 2026

October 5, 202623 min

Providing support across the whole of Defence

In this episode, Grant McHerron talks with Kim Katheklakis, Managing Director at Amentum Australia, about the support services they provide the Australian Defence Force. We begin our discussion by exploring Amentum's global services and history as a top 20 defence company. We delve into their specific support for the Australian Defence Force (ADF), covering areas like engineering, project management, logistics, cyber, and sustainment of platforms including the F-35, patrol boats and the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN). The conversation also highlights their expeditionary medical capabilities and building Australia's contested logistics expertise with experience the company has obtained working with the US military. We review their involvement with existing air traffic control systems such as ADATS and DDATMCS, and their involvement in the new combined civil/military system C-MATS. We wrap up by examining Amentum’s recent joint venture with Laing O’Rourke concerning the Osborne shipyard project and the application of their experience with nuclear capabilities in the UK and USA. Links: Amentum Australia https://www.amentum.com/markets/international/australia/ ------------------ The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au). The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer. If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via defmag@yaffa.com.au to get involved. ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence. For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan. Hosted by Grant McHerron Producer: Steve Visscher Australian Defence Magazine - © 2026

October 4, 202617 min

Global Outlook: Bond pressure, Ethiopia & the New Polar Contest

In our latest Global Outlook, we revisit the bond market, look at the aftermath of Xi's visit to Washington, consider the implications of the war in Ethiopia's Tigray region, and what the US deal on Greenland could mean for Australia's Antarctic holdings. Yields increasing on the US bond markets increases cost of their borrowing which makes it hard to spend as much as they want on their military and other discretionary spending. As has been seen many times, the bond markets have the power to make leaders hesitate and, in some cases, to end their careers. Following Xi Jinping's visit to Washington it seems that there was a lot of pomp and pagentry for no significant outcomes aside from further delaying decisions. The Horn of Africa is once again in the news as a civil war within Ethiopia's Tigray province which is introducing problems on the Western side of the Red Sea. Further compounding the issue is their need to route shipping via Djbouti as the formation of Eritrea removed Ethiopia's access to the ocean. Ethiopia also claims Egypt and Sudan are funding the rebels along with Eritrea. It gets even more complicated when you consider that all of the main forces in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel and more have stakes in this region along with many other countries. This is a very complicated situation that's only getting worse. Finally, we look at the USA's recent agreement with Greenland that doesn't get them anything more than they already had aside from a veto of other foreign powers building in Greenland, which Denmark had been blocking anyhow. This approach by the USA to block foreign powers from building there has implications for Antarctica where China is building yet another research base. It is not inconceivable that the USA could pressure Australia to remove China's bases, some of which are on areas of Antarctica claimed by Australia. ------------------ The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au). The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer. If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via defmag@yaffa.com.au to get involved. ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence. For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan. Hosted by Grant McHerron Producer: Steve Visscher Australian Defence Magazine - © 2026

October 1, 202612 min

ADM Looks At: Land 8710 (Army's watercraft for littoral manoeuvre capability)

Ewen Levick and Nigel Pittaway discuss program Land 8710 which is covering the build of Medium and Heavy Landing Craft plus an amphibious vehicle. We start with an overview of the two classes of landing craft vessels, the small amphibious vehicle, and the programs indicated time frames, covering how the two landing craft compliment each other in their operational use cases given areas they're intended to work in and ranges they can cover. Next we look at Army's structure changes as documented in the 2024 and 2026 National Defence Strategy documents, changes that started as far back as 2023. These cover four major areas including Command & Control, emerging concepts, required capabilities, and the culture of Army itself, while also standing up three littoral manoeuvre units in Darwin, Townsville and Brisbane. The discussion moves onto the difference between amphibious operations and littoral operations, while also considering the changes in Army which includes long range strike to support the littoral units. This will mean HiMARS and PrSM, NASAMS for Short Range Air Defence, and the as yet undecided Medium Range Air Defence capability. The latter is under Land 6504 and has been in & out of scope for some years now, despite medium range being just as important as short range in a layered air defence model. Meanwhile, Land 156 is likely to be involved for its Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems capabilities. We wrap up with a discussion of Army Innovation Day which is happening with Chief of Army Day at Land Forces 2026 and will be focused on the littoral environment. This leads to Army's recent training soldiers in seacraft with Navy, changes in Army's involvement with Talisman Sabre 2027, and the observation that once the transition is completed, Army will be one of the largest littoral forces in the Western world. Links: Building an amphibious Army https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/building-an-amphibious-army Birdon signs major Land 8710 contract https://www.australiandefence.com.au/defence/land/birdon-signs-major-land-8710-contract Army LCM fleet to use Kongsberg Kamewa waterjets https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/army-lcm-fleet-to-use-kongsberg-kamewa-waterjets ------------------ The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au). The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer. If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via defmag@yaffa.com.au to get involved. ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence. For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan. Hosted by Grant McHerron Producer: Steve Visscher Australian Defence Magazine - © 2026

September 30, 202636 min

Extracting relevant & critical intelligence from diverse and secured data sources

In this episode, Grant McHerron talks with Sean MacKirdy, Elastic's Area VP of National Security, about the rapid extraction of intelligence from oceans of information. We begin our discussion by exploring Elastic’s role in powering everyday technologies like Uber and Netflix and delve into Sean MacKirdy's career journey from Silicon Graphics and Cisco to Elastic. We get an insight into Elastic’s search capabilities for rapid intelligence extraction and how it uses AI to process diverse data sources. This leads to a discussion on navigating secured storage environments, including air-gapped systems, and ensuring critical information can be accessed securely while maintaining a common operating picture across networks. Our discussion addresses the vital topic of preventing AI from causing data spills when accessing multi-classified information, and the importance of maintaining human involvement in decision making despite AI's speed advantages. We wrap up by reinforcing the importance of clear accountability mechanisms and ensuring responsible implementation when deploying AI in critical sectors. Links: Elastic https://www.elastic.co/ ------------------ The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au). The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer. If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via defmag@yaffa.com.au to get involved. ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence. For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan. Hosted by Grant McHerron Producer: Steve Visscher Editor: Chris Visscher Australian Defence Magazine - © 2026

September 28, 202619 min

RAAF F-35 parts wind up in China, Xi Jinping in USA, & Russia testing NATO?

This is another of our Global Outlook series where we discuss the latest global geopolitical developments that we're keeping an eye on. We start with the developing story of RAAF F-35 parts being shipped to USA for servicing being diverted to Hong Kong and winding up in Chinese hands, including a canopy which could provide China with classified information. We also look at Xi Jinping's visit to the USA for a summit with President Trump, including whether trade will be impacted, the US$14bn arms sale to Taiwan that Trump is delaying, and the continuing mutual deterrence that is providing some form of strategic stability. Xi Jinping is in the USA to meet with Trump. Will the supply of rare earths continue as per South Korean agreement? Multual deterrance giving some strategic stability. Will the US continue with the $14bn arms sale to Taiwan or use it as a bargaining chip? We wrap with a look at recent Russian manoeuvring near Estonia and the potential for the border township of Narva to become a point where Russia tests a weakened NATO's resolve over Article 5. Infiltrating Russian special forces into a Russian speaking town on the border to then act as separatists seeking independence is a move from Russia's playbook that we've seen occur in Crimea and in Ukraine. Links: Classified Australian F-35 parts disappear in Hong Kong https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/classified-australian-f-35-parts-disappear-in-hong-kong F-35 freight provider partnered with blacklisted Chinese company https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/f-35-freight-provider-partnered-with-blacklisted-chinese-company What China Wants from the Washington Summit https://www.sinification.org/p/what-china-wants-from-the-washington What a Limited Russian Incursion Into Estonia Might Look Like: A Narva Scenario https://understandingwar.org/research/defense-of-europe/what-a-limited-russian-incursion-into-estonia-might-look-like-a-narva-scenario/ ------------------ The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au). The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer. If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via defmag@yaffa.com.au to get involved. ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence. For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan. Hosted by Grant McHerron Producer: Steve Visscher Australian Defence Magazine - © 2026