Defence & Security Podcast Network

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Bethany Alvaro is joined by Jennifer Parker, one of Australia's leading voices on maritime security, to examine the rapidly evolving strategic environment in the Indo-Pacific and what this means for Australia's naval capability, national preparedness and civilian resilience. With more than two decades of service as a warfare officer in the Royal Australian Navy, Parker now serves as an expert associate at the Australian National University's National Security College and works across a number of think tanks and universities, bringing both operational and strategic insight to the discussion. The pair discuss: Recent Chinese naval activity and what Australia should take from it. Naval preparedness in relation to capability, workforce and time. Civilian readiness and if fighting from Australia is plausible. The importance of maritime security for Australia and the civilian way of life. The work to better connect Defence, industry and the public. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

This week, for the last Cyber Uncut of 2025, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft talk about Grok's spreading of misinformation regarding the tragic Bondi terror attack, OpenAI's admission of "high cyber risk", the re-emergence of ShinyHunters with a string of possible extortion attempts, ransomware attacks on medical centres, and important tips for using public Wi-Fi over the holidays. The pair kick things off with reports of how Grok utterly failed to deliver accurate information regarding the 14 December shootings targeting the Jewish community in Sydney. The chatbot utterly failed to meet the moment, leading to multiple instances of incorrect information circulating on X. In cyber security news, ShinyHunters is engaging in a string of extortion attempts that may – or may not be – linked to its breach of data analytics firm Mixpanel. It's a bit of a ride and a fascinating example of how quickly things can change in the cyber crime landscape. Plus, two more Aussie healthcare centres fall victim to ransomware attacks. And finally, some helpful travel advice, a wrap-up of our big moments from 2025, and some things to look forward to in 2026. See you next year The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Robert Dougherty is joined by Dr Levi West, an Australian National University Research Fellow (radicalisation, extremism, terrorism) and former director of terrorism studies at the Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security. The pair take an in-depth look at the national security and counterterrorism aspects of the 2025 Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney. The terrorist attack targeted Jewish members of the public attending a Hanukkah (Jewish festival of lights) event on Sydney's Bondi Beach. Fifteen people, including a 10-year-old girl, two rabbis and a Holocaust survivor, were killed in the attack. Two police officers were shot and injured. The two Islamic State-aligned gunmen were identified by NSW Police as father and son, Sajid Akram, 50 (deceased), and Naveed Akram, 24 (critically injured). The pair discuss a range of topics, including: An initial in-depth assessment of the attack, the police and public response. The actions and bravery of fruit shop owner Ahmed al Ahmed, who disarmed one of the gunmen and seized his weapon before laying down the gun during the incident. A reactive federal and state government pledge to tighten firearms legislation in the wake of the incident. Media reports that both terrorists travelled to the Philippines prior to the incident, possibly to undertake firearms training or engage in a final period of recreation. How the shooting relates to anti-Jewish incidents occurring in Australia since the October 7 attacks in Israel during 2023. What happens next for Australia, analysis of the incident, psychological impact, possible changes in government policy and the likelihood of reprisals or imitative violence. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Andy Keough, managing director at Saab Australia, and Dean Rosenfield, CEO of Nova Systems. The conversation focuses on the collaboration between Saab and Nova Systems in the multi-domain command, control, communications and computers (C4) area, emphasising the need for sovereign capabilities in Australia due to rapidly changing technology and geopolitical challenges. Both companies have a long history of working together, with Saab focusing on command and control systems and Nova Systems on operational test and evaluation and systems engineering. The discussion covers the importance of systems integration, test and evaluation, and digital engineering in the increasingly software-based system-of-systems environment, highlighting the role of investing in people and embracing technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning. Key challenges for the defence industry include security concerns with new technologies like AI and the need for commercial frameworks that support innovation, experimentation and a higher acceptance of risk from Defence. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this solemn episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant, Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson and Steve Kuper discuss the immediate aftermath of the Bondi Beach terror attack. The trio discuss the terrorist shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, Sydney, which resulted in at least 15 deaths and over 40 injuries. They also tackle the implications of the targeted anti-Semitic attack on Australia's intelligence and law enforcement community. The conversation then shifts to the beginning of the broader national conversations that will now be taking place in Canberra and capital cities around the nation, as the nation and Sydney grieve the loss of national innocence. We would also like to pass on our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers to those impacted by the tragic events. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

This episode discusses the US Department of War's AI "Manifest Destiny", hackers going hard on Aussie victims, and Australia bringing in its brand new social media ban. Hosts David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft kick things off with artificial intelligence, with CommBank trialling a new DevOps agent and the Pentagon launching its new GenAI.mil platform to "dominate" its adversaries. The pair move on to cyber crime, and the SafePay ransomware gang strikes at three Australian victims in a single week. Hollingworth and Croft also discuss the social media ban, which came into effect this week. Finally, the pair look at the Privacy Commissioner's new compliance crusade and a warning that scammers are posing as charities this Christmas season. Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team

A chance meeting with an astronaut changed Riley Havela's life, diverting her path from medicine straight into the world of aerospace engineering. In this episode of Defence Connect's The Progress Report, host Tash Taylor sits down with Riley Havela, founder of Riley the Aero Girl. She reveals how simply "shooting your shot" opens doors to valuable connections and emphasises that networking and passion are the ultimate fuels for success. The discussion dives into overcoming imposter syndrome, the necessity of personal branding, and how women are shaping the future of aviation by advocating for essential values like work-life balance. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Peter Dean, professor of strategic studies at The Australian National University and within the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre and one of the lead authors of the 2023 Defence Strategic Review, and Hans Tench, senior executive and global AUKUS lead from Leidos Australia, to unpack the rapidly evolving strategic, political and industrial landscape surrounding AUKUS, with a particular focus on the often-overlooked Pillar 2. The conversation follows the first face-to-face meeting between US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, where President Trump signalled strong support for AUKUS and committed to accelerating the delivery of nuclear-powered submarines under Pillar 1. The trio discuss a wide range of topics, including: The strategic significance of President Trump's reaffirmation of AUKUS and what it means for the Virginia Class submarine deal with Australia. Why Pillar 2 has been lagging and how political cycles in all three nations have slowed momentum. The challenge of balancing defence budgets while pursuing big-ticket capabilities like nuclear-powered submarines alongside emerging technologies. The shift from a "balanced force" to a focused and integrated force, and whether Australia risks drifting back towards old models. The potential of hypersonics, integrated air and missile defence, artificial intelligence, autonomy and the US "Golden Dome" initiative. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson are joined by special guest Dr Ross Babbage, chief executive officer of Strategic Forum and Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments in Washington DC. Together, the trio dive into Australia's rapidly shifting strategic landscape, the pressures shaping the US–Australia relationship, and the risks emerging across the Indo-Pacific as 2026 approaches. The team also tackles the return of a Trump administration in the US government amid rising uncertainty surrounding the People's Republic of China's internal trajectory. A central theme of the discussion is Australia's struggle to prioritise national security in line with allied expectations. The conversation then shifts to the composition of Australia's political leadership and its effect on national preparedness. Finally, the podcast ends with a discussion on military deterrence and insight into needed improvements in national resilience, industrial mobilisation and defence capability in Australia. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper speaks with former US naval attaché to Australia and Leidos Australia international science and technology director Kevin Quarderer and leading naval strategist Dr Jennifer Parker, an expert associate at the National Security College - The Australian National University. The trio, appearing from the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition 2025 in Sydney, discuss a range of factors shaping Australia's accelerating maritime focus and the operational realities of the AUKUS trilateral agreement. Both guests note the sharper strategic tone of this year's event, reflecting Canberra's growing recognition that national security will be shaped at sea. They also discuss advanced training pipelines, force protection, maintenance capacity and the reopening of key ports to support US, UK and Australian submarine operations. Logistics emerges as the decisive factor in maritime readiness, with both guests warning that the depth of Australia's replenishment fleet and supplies could constrain maritime operations, particularly as missile consumption rates continue to rise globally. Autonomy remains a major theme, with Quarderer and Parker highlighting its potential to extend reach, enhance survivability and complement crewed platforms. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Bethany Alvaro talk about the week's cyber security and AI news! Hollingworth and Alvaro get things started by unpacking the Australian government's National AI Plan. Is it actually good governance, or more of a vibe ripe to be abused by the AI giants? The pair then talk about the eSafety Commissioner's warning that smart car systems are being taken advantage of by domestic abusers, and concern over the impact of the looming social media ban might have on queer youth, before looking at a pair of interesting cyber security incidents from the past week. But we end on some good news. Hollingworth and Alvaro share some reactions to the National AI Plan, before talking about a new UK initiative to stand up an e-sports event to promote and sharpen vital cyber security skills. Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Robert Dougherty is joined by business development director for Boeing Attack Helicopter Programs, Terry "TJ" Jamison, as they discuss the changing strategy of attack helicopters in modern warfare and the development of "launched effects". Jamison, a 30-year veteran of the US Army, has previously commanded an air cavalry squadron in Iraq and a combat aviation brigade in Afghanistan. The former Apache attack helicopter pilot retired from US military service as a colonel with more than 5,000 flight hours in helicopters, such as the AH-64D Apache Longbow and CH-47 Chinook. The pair discuss a range of topics, including: The evolving impact of "launched effects" and the uncrewed options for attack helicopters, such as the AH-64E Apache. The changes that the United States military is making to its own attack helicopter strategy, role and capabilities. Modern helicopter warfare examples seen in the Ukraine–Russia conflict and the implications being discussed in the public regarding attack helicopters. Manned and unmanned teaming technology being developed to empower aerial platforms, such as the AH-64E Apache and MQ-28A Ghost Bat. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Bethany Alvaro talk about the week's cyber security and AI news! Hollingworth and Alvaro get things started with a warning about a rise in AI-driven holiday scams taking advantage of the silly season. The pair also talk about a recent call from CPA Australia for young Australians to embrace AI to drive their entrepreneurial dreams. And then it's on to cyber security, with parliamentarians in Canberra warned to secure their connected devices ahead of a visit by a Chinese official, and worrying research on how the Chinese AI platform DeepSeek can actively insert vulnerabilities into code when certain "political triggers" are detected. And, sadly, the hacking never stops, with cyber extortionists targeting a pair of Aussie organisations. But we end on some good news. Hollingworth and Alvaro cover the newly announced AI Safety Institute, as well as the very welcome news of sanctions targeting a Russian cyber criminal service provider. Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team

How do you go from growing up in Ukraine to winning Academic of the Year in Australia? Dr Oleksandra Molloy, senior lecturer in aviation at UNSW Canberra, shares her extraordinary journey. Tash Taylor dives into Oleksandra's courageous move to Australia and her experience pioneering research in emerging technologies, particularly her vital work on drones in modern warfare and the Defence Trailblazer program. Oleksandra details her efforts to inspire the next generation of women in STEM and offers practical insight into managing a high-impact academic career with family life, emphasising that resilience is key to achieving high goals and making a lasting impact in complex and essential industries. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, as they unpack the major milestones for Defence and defence industry. The pair discuss a range of topics, including: The impact of the SEA 3000 decision and implications for industrial and defence cooperation between Australia and Japan. Progress made on the nation's Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance program, including the breaking ground of the first Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile factory outside of Norway and local manufacturing contracts for a range of guided weapons. The ongoing reform processes designed to improve the efficiency and ease of doing business between Defence and industry. The lessons learned from the 2023 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program and how they will help shape the 2026 plans. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast at the recent Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition in Sydney, host Steve Kuper is joined by Alan Clements of L3Harris Technologies Australia as they explore the shifting dynamics shaping Australia's maritime modernisation and emerging technologies for the Australian Defence Force. They explore: The strong industry momentum at Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition 2025, driven by major Defence investments in the maritime domain, including AUKUS SSN, the evolved Mogami Class decision and broader fleet recapitalisation. L3Harris' role as a critical technology provider across air, land, sea, cyber and space to supply sensors, comms, power, electronic warfare systems and sustainment capabilities essential to Australian Defence Force operations. The scale of Australia's naval transformation, with new classes such as the evolved Mogami, Hunter Class and SSN-AUKUS submarines. These platforms represent a leap from legacy platforms to software-driven, high-tech systems that will reshape how the Royal Australian Navy trains, fights and integrates with joint forces. The challenge of transitioning to nuclear-powered submarines, including industry readiness, workforce uplift, sustainment requirements and close cooperation with US and UK partners. How autonomy, AI-enabled sensing and unmanned systems are expanding the ADF's capability, with L3Harris demonstrating unmanned platforms, passive electronic detection systems and "amorphous" command-and-control architectures at Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. The Australian Army's growing maritime role through its landing craft modernisation and how naval-to-land integration is evolving as the ADF reshapes for littoral operations. The rising importance of AUKUS Pillar II, particularly autonomous undersea systems, seabed sensing and platform-agnostic C2. The increasing recognition across Defence that no single company can deliver full-spectrum capability and the value in collaborative integration across industry, SMEs and global supply chains. The urgent need for Australia to elevate investment and focus on electromagnetic spectrum control, electronic warfare and self-defence to deliver decisive maritime success. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant, Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson and new co-host, Steve Kuper, detail the intricacies of the proposed Russia–Ukraine peace deal announced by US President Donald Trump. The trio also unpack three emerging security issues: a proposed Russia–Ukraine peace deal, heightened Chinese activity in the northern Pacific, and suspected Russian sabotage operations in Europe. The peace proposal centres on a 30-day ceasefire, prisoner exchanges, and Ukraine conceding or freezing control of occupied territories. Ukraine would permanently renounce NATO membership, cap its military at around 600,000 personnel, and restrict long-range weapons. In return, the US and its partners would offer conditional security guarantees and gradually lift sanctions, with up to US$100 billion in frozen Russian assets used for reconstruction. Chinese maritime activity has intensified, with five survey vessels operating in the north-west Pacific during major US-led exercises. Pacific analysts warn this undersea mapping may support future conflict planning. In the UK, authorities are investigating whether Russia planted an incendiary parcel that ignited in a DHL warehouse, potentially linked to a similar case in Germany, part of a suspected GRU "mayhem" hybrid campaign. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth is joined by Bethany Alvaro to talk about all things Australia and cyber security! The pair kick things off with some AI news. NVIDIA announced record earnings as the AI bubble steadfastly refuses to burst, and ChatGPT's curious new group chat feature. Hollingworth and Alvaro then talk about cyber crime, with scammers gleefully preparing to take advantage of Black Friday sales, Optus getting pinged over falling afoul of anti-scam legislation, and the Brotherhood ransomware group claiming two Aussie hacks in just one day. And we end on some good news. Australia, the UK, and the US have sanctioned a pair of Russian companies for providing a raft of services to hackers, and EU law enforcement actions have taken down more than a thousand malicious servers. Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team

In this special episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by the co-founder and CEO of Anduril Industries, Brian Schimpf, as they talk about building an allied industrial base and the intricacies involved. Recorded live at Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition 2025, the pair also discuss a range of subjects, including: The mechanics behind developing and implementing a comprehensive industry policy in a developed nation. The lessons of pre-Second World War industrialisation in the United States and the lessons learned through the "New Deal" that helped secure Allied victory. The myths about the role of automation in contemporary manufacturing and the role of skilled humans in and on the loop when it comes to modern, high-end, mass manufacturing. Designing capabilities and technologies from the ground up to be built en masse, via an IKEA-style approach. The scale and scope of Anduril's Arsenal-1 factory, currently under construction in Ohio. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Leighton Freene and Murray Thompson of Kinetic IT as they unpack the mechanics shaping the digital transformation of the Australian Defence Force. The trio also discuss a range of subjects, including: The pivotal role of digital technologies as the backbone of the ADF's shift towards an increasingly information-driven, technology-enabled "integrated, focused force". The growing complexities, opportunities and risks stemming from cloud computing and artificial intelligence – not only in their military and industrial applications but also in how they are exploited by adversaries across all five warfighting domains. Defence's ongoing digital transformation and the sheer scale of what is required to build, secure and sustain the systems that will be critical to preserving Australia's qualitative edge in an era of great-power competition. The rising importance of strong cyber hygiene across Defence, industry and the broader national security community, including disciplined identity management, multi-factor authentication, secure-by-design software development, routine patching, strict access controls and a culture that treats cyber security as a collective responsibility rather than a technical add-on. How strengthening cyber hygiene at every level – from defence SMEs to prime contractors, uniformed personnel to senior decision makers – is becoming essential to hardening the digital backbone of the ADF and safeguarding Australia's most sensitive capabilities from compromise. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team