SPOTLIGHT: On the front lines of international drone warfare, with Simon Olsen
In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Simon Olsen, chief executive officer and co-founder of Arkeus autonomous optical systems, to discuss the changing world of drone warfare and what Australia is trying to achieve in the uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) strategic space. Olsen, the commercial-savvy CEO of Arkeus, has more than a decade of experience working with autonomous optical systems and the overall defence industry. Drawing on experience working with the Australian Defence Force, US branches and other international militaries, Olsen starts the podcast with the origins of weaponised drones from their use of optical cameras in Afghanistan and Iraq. The pair examine the strengths and weaknesses of UAV systems, as well as their use in denied environments and electronic warfare-impacted areas. Exploring the cost-to-benefit ratio of current drones in Ukraine, Garman and Olsen discuss drones using off-the-shelf technology and their persistent use in military operations. Olsen shares his experience of working with front-line personnel and its impact on successive contracts with the Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. Finally, Olsen reveals the company’s goals for the future, AUKUS and his thoughts on upcoming events shaping the overall defence industry in Australia. Enjoy the episode, The Defence Connect team
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34:19
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34:19
CYBER UNCUT: Qantas hacked, AI to power the Australian economy, and women’s health clinic hacked
In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft are joined by Australian Aviation’s Jake Nelson to talk about the Qantas data breach before our usual suspects talk up the latest AI news, followed by some alarming local hacks. AI is the topic for Hollingworth and Croft as the pair start with a chat about News Corp’s new drive to integrate AI into journalists’ workflows and the media giant’s decision to train AI on the content produced by its writers. Plus, US Senator Bernie Sanders has a fantastic idea about what to do with all the time saved by AI – give it back to the workers! The pair then discuss a pair of successful investigations that have led to the hackers being arrested – one in France that appears to have put the final nail into BreachForums’ coffin as both ShinyHunters and IntelBroker are now behind bars, and another here in Australia, as the infamous Western Sydney University hacker was revealed to be an ex-student. Now arrested herself, she started out looking to cheat the university’s parking fees, but quickly went straight to the dark side. Hollingworth and Croft finish up with some updates on the Australian government’s social media age assurance trials and whether or not YouTube should be part of the ban, and return to an old friend, War Thunder, as another angry gamer has posted restricted material to prove a point. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team
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The true costs of an ‘independent’ foreign and defence policy, with Strategic Analysis Australia’s Michael Shoebridge
In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Michael Shoebridge, Strategic Analysis Australia director, to unpack the debate about Australia’s level of defence spending and a host of other topics. The pair discuss a range of issues, including: Responding to calls for Australia to shake off the “shackles” of the Australia–US alliance to pursue a truly “independent” foreign and defence policy and posture. The costs and challenges associated with pursuing such a doctrine, particularly when the government is already balking at lifting spending beyond 2 per cent. The ongoing challenges facing the Australian Defence Force and its capacity to acquire the minimum level of capability required to defend the nation. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team
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THE PROGRESS REPORT: Mentorship matters – how women are thriving and transforming Australia’s defence sector
In this episode of The Progress Report, Defence Connect’s Natasha Taylor sits down with Rachel Falzon, founder and national president of the Women in Defence Association, to explore the power of mentorship in shaping meaningful careers. From informal guidance over coffee to a groundbreaking, free national mentoring program, Rachel shares stories of women who have found confidence, navigated transitions from active service to industry, and earned promotions thanks to dedicated mentors. Listen as they unpack the unique challenges women face in defence, the importance of community, and how mentorship is driving retention, leadership, and gender equity across the sector. Join Natasha and Rachel to discover why no woman should navigate this journey alone. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team
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19:49
SPOTLIGHT: Defence industry collaboration and the need for an Australian prime, with Dean Rosenfield
In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Nova Systems chief executive officer Dean Rosenfield to explore the increasing importance of the defence industry to the nation’s security and why it’s time for an Australian “prime” contractor. Rosenfield, a highly experienced senior business leader, has more than two decades of defence industry experience and moved from London to Adelaide to take the helm as Nova Systems’ CEO. He has previously served as senior vice president of Saab AB, group managing director Saab UK and led businesses in Singapore, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. The pair begin the podcast with a snapshot of the current defence industry environment, its strengths and the challenges it will face. They also discuss the potential role of an Australian prime in shaping national security, sovereignty and clarifying major defence policies. Rosenfield shares some advice for small-to-medium enterprises navigating the defence industry landscape, funding opportunities and government policy. Looking backward, the pair assess how corporate Australia navigated defence industry changes during World War II. Finally, looking forward, Rosenfield reveals his priorities and predictions for the next 12 months.
The Defence Connect Podcast Network hosts a unique series of podcasts, featuring discussions with key enablers from across the Australian defence industry.
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