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Australian Defence Magazine Podcast

Australian Defence Magazine Podcast

Hosted by Australian Defence Magazine

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Episodes

174

Latest episode

Jul 2026

Language

EN

About the show

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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60 recent
August 11, 202637 min

Building Australia's defence industry to support AUKUS

In this episode, Grant McHerron talks with Peter Anusas, the General Manager for Empower Advisory AUS/UK, Gary Meaney, Lendlease’s Defence Construction Director, and Scott Olsen, the Chief Executive Officer of Fredon Group. The topic for the episode is building Australia's defence future with a focus on AUKUS.We begin our discussion by exploring the foundations required for AUKUS success, including political alignment and workforce training needs. The guests then delve into the challenges surrounding security clearances and ensuring Australia has the skilled personnel to sustain nuclear submarines. They also discuss the importance of early prime contractor involvement (ECI) in streamlining processes and fostering collaboration.Furthermore, they assess how Australia can develop sovereign capability without relying on continual foreign involvement, highlighting the need for efficient procurement models and strengthening local industry capacity.Finally, we consider the long-term legacy of AUKUS, focusing on creating sustainable defence jobs within Australia. The episode concludes by reinforcing that government and industry must prioritize these tasks to ensure a successful outcome.Links:Empower Advisory powered by BMDhttps://www.empowergroup.global/advisory and https://www.bmdgroup.globalLendlease Defence and National Securityhttps://www.lendlease.com/construction/defenceFredon Grouphttps://www.fredon.com.au------------------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 McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherAustralian Defence Magazine - © 2026

July 28, 202631 min

JORN and high frequency technologies in Australia and North America with BAE Systems Australia

In this episode, Grant McHerron visits BAE Systems Australia (BAESA) at Edinburgh Parks to talk with Ashley Searl, Director of Strategic Surveillance, and Nathan Herrmann, HF Sensing Program Director, about the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) and the recently confirmed sale of Over The Horizon Radar (OTHR) technology to Canada.We begin our discussion by reviewing the history of JORN, starting from early experiments in the 1950s with high-frequency signals and progressing to the current three sites in WA, NT and QLD being controlled from RAAF Base Edinburgh. We then cover the current activities on JORN, including its enhancement project and midlife upgrade (Project Air 2025 Phase 6), where BAESA is the prime integrator collaborating closely with the Defence Science and Technology Group.Moving on to the recent sale of JORN to Canada we cover how the sale was established, the changes that will be required to accommodate polar operations, Canada's own research into OTHR systems, and BAESA's involvement in delivering the solution. We also discuss BAESA's exports of high frequency products to the USA along with the importance of export sales to maintaining and recruiting the skilled workforce. We wrap up with an assessment of the future for OTHR sales and opportunities in other areas of the world.Links:BAE Systems’ OTHR and high frequency technology overviewhttps://www.baesystems.com/en/product/over-the-horizon-radar-and-high-frequency-technologyBAE Systems' JORN Overviewhttps://www.baesystems.com/en-aus/product/jornCanada to sign major JORN dealhttps://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/canada-to-sign-major-jorn-dealNOTE: This episode was sponsored by BAE Systems.------------------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 McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherAustralian Defence Magazine - © 2026

July 19, 202625 min

Hormuz, Saronic's Corsair, and the Middle Powers "distraction"

In this News Review episode, Grant McHerron, Ewen Levick and Kirra Davey review and discuss some of the news of interest that's occurred recently in the world of Defence.We open with a discussion of the Hormuz Strait being closed once again which leads to the topic of Uncrewed Surface Vessels being used as weapons, indicating a new phase of naval warfare is beginning. This segways into a discussion about Saronic's Corsair USV which is currently being pitched to our Navy. The Corsair has recently been in the news as one was used to rescue the crew of an Apache that had crashed into the water, then a few weeks later a team of Corsairs were used to destroy an Iranian midget submarine that was docked in harbour.Next up is a discussion on Elbridge Colby's recent set of tweets calling the "Middle Powers" strategy a distraction and stating that the USA are "flexible realists." We note that the countries in question are the realists who are reacting to the USA becoming a less reliable ally, discussing the geopolitical situation and the factors that are driving the rise of the middle powers concept.We wrap with a quick look at Exercise Pitch Black 2026 which is starting flight operations with multiple nations bringing aircraft, aircrew and support teams, some of which will be appearing for the first time this year.Links:Saronic pitches Corsair USV to the ADFhttps://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/saronic-pitches-corsair-usv-to-the-adfElbridge Colby's tweets on the “middle powers” strategy being a distractionhttps://x.com/USWPColby/status/2077060564900077620Exercise Pitch Black 2026 to commence flyinghttps://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/exercise-pitch-black-2026-to-commence-flying------------------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 McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherAustralian Defence Magazine - © 2026

July 16, 202630 min

Discussing the KC-390 Millenium's capabilities, sales and opportunities with Embraer

In this News Review episode, Grant McHerron talks with Frederico Lemos, Chief Commercial Officer, Embraer Defence & Security, about the KC-390 Millenium multi-mission airlifter and tanker prior to its appearance at the Farnborough International Airshow.We begin by exploring the KC-390 Millennium's capabilities, including its design for multiple missions such as airlift and aerial refuelling. We then delve into how it can rapidly reconfigure its cargo space between seating, stretchers, or basic cargo configurations, along with the flight management system, load management, and modular multi-mission capabilities.Frederico discusses Embraer's development of a flying boom system alongside existing underwing drogue pods for air-to-air refueling flexibility, and also reviews the aircraft's sales traction in Europe and the Middle East, including interest from the USA and Asia-Pacific regions. We wrap by looking at production rates, the existing global support network and scaling up to address existing and forecast demand.Links:Embraer KC-390 Milleniumhttps://embraer.com/defense-security-air/kc-390-millennium/en/ADM's articles about the (K)C-390https://www.australiandefence.com.au/search?q=390------------------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 McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherAustralian Defence Magazine - © 2026

July 5, 202617 min

Defence Delivery Agency transition and JORN capability sale to Canada

In this News Review episode, Grant McHerron, Ewen Levick and Kirra Davey review and discuss some of the news of interest that's occurred recently in the world of Defence.We open with a discussion of the new Defence Delivery Group that started on 1st July and will transition to being the Defence Delivery Agency on 1st July 2027. There are many ways that this could become another failed attempt at changing Defence but there is hope and only time will tell.After that, we look at the sale of the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) Over the Horizon Radar (OTHR) to Canada that was signed late in June. It is cutting edge technology, a great export opportunity for Australia, and will be interesting to see how it operates in a polar environment with different ionospheric characteristics and behaviours to those JORN experiences in Australia and to our north. You can learn more about JORN and OTHR by searching the Australian Defence Magazine website and keep an ear out for a future podcast episode on this topic.Links:Conroy provides update on new Defence Delivery Agencyhttps://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/conroy-provides-update-on-new-defence-delivery-agencyD+I demystifies Defence Delivery Agencyhttps://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/d-i-demystifies-defence-delivery-agencyCanada to sign major JORN dealhttps://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/canada-to-sign-major-jorn-deal ------------------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 McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherAustralian Defence Magazine - © 2026

July 1, 202632 min

Balancing sovereignty with local production capability

In this episode, Grant McHerron talks with Christopher Rule, the General Manager for Defence, Security and Resilience at GME, about navigating the defence industry landscape and the government's push for support sovereign capability .We begin our discussion by exploring GME’s products, services, and clients, including their three-pillar business model of engineering and advanced manufacturing services, partnerships with US-based cybersecurity firms, and acquisition of Eylex for defence capabilities. We examine the sourcing of their components, noting that strict requirements often necessitate international suppliers despite Australia's sovereign manufacturing focus. Our discussion also explores government initiatives supporting this goal, such as Defence Industrial Grants helping diversification into defence, and the Advanced Capability Investment Fund (ACIF) encouraging private investment.We wrap up by assessing the gap that medium-sized companies experience when trying to break into the defence industrial base, and the type of support they need to do so.Links:GME Defence Products and Serviceshttps://www.gme.net.au/au/defence/------------------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 McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherAustralian Defence Magazine - © 2026

June 23, 202622 min

The RAAHC's Firepower Series: Learning from history to improve readiness for future conflict

In this episode, Grant McHerron talks with Nick Floyd and James Eling of the Royal Australian Artillery Historical Company (RAAHC) regarding the RAAHC and the Firepower seminars being conducted this year around Australia.We begin our discussion by exploring the history and purpose of RAAHC, including its formation in 1981 as a volunteer organization dedicated to preserving Australian artillery heritage . We then delve into the Firepower seminar series, which has previously examined World War I and II artillery experiences, and the topics for this year's presentations which are reviewing Australia's mobilization challenges during the buildup to WWII and the similar issues being faced in today's geopolitical environment. The seminars cover key topics including building sovereign industrial capability, continental defense against Japanese threats in WWII and adaptation to joint operations in littoral environments.We wrap up by assessing how these historical insights inform the Australian Army's future development, emphasizing agility and learning from past mistakes due to rapid technological change.Links:The Firepower Seminarshttps://firepowerseminar.com.au/Royal Australian Artillery Historical Companyhttps://artilleryhistory.org/The Principles of War podcasthttps://theprinciplesofwar.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 McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherAustralian Defence Magazine - © 2026

June 17, 202633 min

Moving sustainment into the foreground

In this episode, Grant McHerron and Neill Morgan, the partner for maritime sustainment at Coras, discuss the importance of sustainment for Defence.Our discussion starts by exploring the importance of including sustainment in defence acquisition processes early on. We delve into blind spots such as industry's tendency to treat sustainment as an afterthought, often overlooking risks like poor technical documentation or unclear data rights that stem from this delay and how predictable risks (e.g., obsolescence and funding gaps) which are frequently underestimated due to inadequate upfront planning. We conclude with the necessity of proper mobilisation to ensure the right people, access, and resources are present for a smooth transition, and better governance structures in sustainment contracts.Links:Corashttps://coras.au/This episode has been sponsored by Coras.------------------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 McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherAustralian Defence Magazine - © 2026

June 14, 202616 min

Ghost Bat in Berlin, PMB Defence with TKMS, & impacts of the UK Defence Secretary's resignation

In this News Review episode, Grant McHerron, Ewen Levick and Kirra Davey review and discuss some of the news of interest that's occurred recently in the world of Defence.We start the episode discussing Boeing's MQ-28A Ghost Bat which is being displayed at the ILA Berlin Air Show as it's in consideration for Germany's Collaborative Combat Aircraft role. Boeing announced at the event a series of upgraded capabilities for the MQ-28 along with the addition of Diehl Defence and Rohde & Schwarz to the Ghost Bat industry team. From there we move on to the announcement that PMB Defence and TKMS have partnered on the Canadian submarine bid which, if successful, will see PMB supplying batteries for each boat.After those news items, it's over to the UK where the British Defence Secretary has abruptly resigned in protest of the government's failure to spend sufficient funds on Defence. In addition to throwing a spanner in the plans for Richard Marles and Penny Wong who are there for the AUKMIN meetings, this also raises the question of what effect are the billions of dollars Australia is sending to the UK Defence Industry actually having? Also, the UK's Defence spend as % GDP is higher than Australia's yet so if the UK's can be considered insufficient, what are the implications for Australia?We wrap up with a look at the need for a bridging submarine capability that could be done instead of Collins LOTE, given that program is doing less and costing more than planned. With the very real chance of delays, both in receiving Virginia class submarines and production of SSN AUKUS, it is becoming clearer that extending the aging Collins class into the 2040s may not be the best solution.Links:Boeing reveals advanced Ghost Bat capabilitieshttps://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/boeing-reveals-advanced-ghost-bat-capabilitiesBoeing German MQ-28 Ghost Bat team expandedhttps://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/boeing-german-mq-28-ghost-bat-team-expandedPMB Defence and TKMS partner on Canadian submarine bidhttps://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/pmb-defence-and-tkms-partner-on-canadian-submarine-bidBritish Defence Secretary quitshttps://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-11/richard-marles-blindsided-after-uk-counterpart-john-healey-quits/106788486https://www.news.com.au/world/europe/uk-politics/british-defence-secretary-resigns-hours-before-aukus-media-event-with-defence-minister-richard-marles/news-story/28f300c3acdd4174cc516e5b6c288a04Submarines sail troubled watershttps://www.australiandefence.com.au/defence/sea/submarines-sail-troubled-watersANAO report on Collins LOTEhttps://www.anao.gov.au/work/performance-audit/defences-collins-class-submarines-life-of-type-extension-planning-and-implementation------------------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 McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherAustralian Defence Magazine - © 2026

June 9, 202653 min

Women in Defence: Institutional Change Under Pressure: Progress, Procurement and Power

In this episode we present the audio from the recent online event organised by ADM Women in Defence and National Security and the Women in Defence UK organisation. The event commenced with an introduction from the Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs.The event's MC was Angela Owen OBE, founder of Women in Defence UK, and the discussion panel consisted of Karin Vosmansky, Executive Director at Mack Valves Pty Ltd, Kisa Christensen, Director for Integrated Defence and Autonomy Systems (IDAS) at BAE, Donna Sinnick, Chief Delivery Officer at Babcock International Group, and Pete Burden, CEO of KDC Products.The discussion begins with a focus on the collaboration between Australia and the UK defence industries, highlighting initiatives like AUKUS Pillar 2. It explores how companies are adapting to a rapidly changing strategic environment characterised by Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA). It also covers Nova Systems' evolution from test and evaluation into broader mission integration and assurance.We get an insight into the ongoing challenge of attracting and retaining women in defence roles, particularly engineering. Panelists stress the need to start recruitment early, combat stereotypes, enhance work-life balance flexibility, and foster a supportive culture within both Defence and industry partners like Babcock International Group, who actively promote female representation on boards and executive committees. The panel also touches upon leveraging dual-use technology for national resilience beyond defence alone and pathways into careers via secondments or diverse roles.Links:ADM's Women in Defence and National Securityhttps://admwomenindefencenetwork.com.au/Women in Defence UK:https://www.womenindefenceuk.com/https://www.womenindefenceuk.com/charterBabcock’s “Next Line of Defence” report and their SME Charter:https://www.babcockinternational.com/our-perspectives/the-next-line-of-defence-unlocking-sme-potential-in-uk-defence-from-policy-to-practice/------------------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 McHerronProducer: Steve VisscherAustralian Defence Magazine - © 2026

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