Australian Defence Magazine Podcast

Australian Defence Magazine

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.

  1. Assistance for ADF Members & Veterans thanks to Legacy, Wounded Heroes and Soldier On

    4 DAYS AGO

    Assistance for ADF Members & Veterans thanks to Legacy, Wounded Heroes and Soldier On

    This episode presents a set of interviews with representatives from three organisations that provide assistance to Australian Defence Force veterans and their families. All three rely heavily on donations and volunteers to ensure those in need are supported. We hope this episode will help increase awareness of their efforts and perhaps inspire people and companies to contribute to a worthy cause. We open the episode with Graham Boyd from Legacy, next is Martin Shaw from Wounded Heroes, then we close with Paul Singer from Soldier On. Links: Legacy https://www.legacy.com.au/ Wounded Heroes Australia https://www.woundedheroes.org.au/ Soldier On https://soldieron.org.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 McHerron Producer: Steve Visscher Australian Defence Magazine - © 2026

    40 min
  2. 28 APR

    Singapore Air Show interviews with Textron, DroneShield, Horizon Aircraft, Ondas and ShieldAI

    This episode collects a number of interviews recorded at the Singapore Airshow 2026 during February. The episode starts with Bob Gibbs, Vice President of Global Sales and Strategy at Textron Aviation, who discusses their multi-mission aircraft lineup, how they support military clients with upgrades, sensor integration and mission-specific modifications, and also an update on the SkyCourier. =—-= Next up is Terry van Haren from DroneShield who shares his background as a retired Air Commodore with extensive experience in counter-drone technology development. We discuss how DroneShield is expanding rapidly into the Asia-Pacific market, including Singapore and Southeast Asia. Terry notes that their focus is on protecting critical infrastructure from drone threats. =—-= Moving to eVTOL aircraft, Jason O'Neill and Phil Kelly give us an insight into Horizon Aircraft’s innovative hybrid eVTOL aircraft design and a look at the military applications of their system, including commando insertions and logistics support. They also discuss its hybrid power systems, certification process, and noise reduction compared to helicopters. =—-= Next up is Eric Brock, the founder, CEO and Chairman of Ondas Inc, who talks to us about their counter-drone technology and system-of-systems approach for defense and security. We discuss how Ondas integrates aerial drones, ground vehicles and counter-drone systems into a unified architecture to protect military installations and respond to drone threats. =—-= We wrap up the episode with Mike Hanlin, ShieldAI's Senior Director of International Strategy. He discusses the company's advancements in military autonomy technology, their recent partnerships with GE for F110 engines, integration of micro missiles onto their VBAT (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) UAS, and their expansion into Asia-Pacific markets like Singapore. He notes that the company emphasizes accelerating development due to battlefield needs observed in Ukraine. Links: Textron Aviation's special mission aircraft https://specialmissions.txtav.com/en/multi-mission DroneShield https://www.droneshield.com/ Horizon Aircraft https://www.horizonaircraft.com/ Ondas https://www.ondas.com/?lang=en Shield AI https://shield.ai/ ------------------ 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

    48 min
  3. A call to arms for Australian guided weapons sovereign capability

    21 APR

    A call to arms for Australian guided weapons sovereign capability

    In this episode, Grant McHerron visits BAE Systems Australia and talks with Kisa Christensen, Director of Integrated Defence and Autonomy Systems (IDAS), and Stuart Bryden, Business Development Manager. We discuss BAE Systems’ history of producing autonomous systems and missiles and the Company’s involvement with Australia's Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordinance (GWEO) initiative. We begin by exploring Kisa Christensen's role as Director of Integrated Defence and Autonomy Systems focusing on sovereign guided weapons capabilities and we delve into Stuart Bryden's role in business development, with his expertise in autonomy and rapid product development for the defence sector. Our conversation examines BAE Systems' significant contributions to Australia through their Nulka program (37 years) and Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM), showcasing decades of experience in guided weapons engineering and manufacturing. We also discuss BAE Systems’ new RAZER low-cost precision guided munition that exemplifies the Company’s transferable expertise from other domains. The discussion highlights the importance of sovereign capability development for Australia to maintain supply chain resilience and BAE Systems’ readiness to work with the Australian Government and local industry in support of the nation’s guided weapons capability. Links: BAE Systems Australia www.baesystems.com/en-aus BAE Systems’ RAZER product https://www.baesystems.com/en-aus/product/razer BAE Systems Australia secures next-gen Nulka contract www.australiandefence.com.au/defence/sea/bae-systems-australia-secures-next-gen-nulka-contract BAE Systems secures sub-assembly export work for ESSM www.australiandefence.com.au/defence/sea/bae-systems-secures-sub-assembly-export-work-for-essm This episode has been sponsored by BAE Systems 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

    28 min
  4. Reading the NDS & IIP tea leaves while the Mogami contract is signed

    21 APR

    Reading the NDS & IIP tea leaves while the Mogami contract is signed

    In this News Review episode, Grant McHerron, Nigel Pittaway and Kirra Davey review and discuss some of the news of interest that's occurred recently in the world of Defence. The big news is, of course, that the NDS and IIP have been released so we've been working through them to look for any surprises or concerns. There's plenty of missiles and provision for upgrades to the E-7A Wedgetail, BAE Hawk, and Hobart class Air Warfare Destroyers, which all are then to be replaced before the end of the ten year coverage of the IIP. Virginia class subs are still showing as happening when expected but mine counter measures barely gets a reference, being buried in a secondary maritime category. While there will likely be cuts to a number of programs to support all the spending, even with the stated increase to the Defence budget, the only program that gets called out is the C-27J capability which is to be wound down as it's not lived up to its promise as a tactical, battlefield air lifter. We wrap up with the news that the Mogami contract has been signed for the first three General Purpose Frigates to be built in Japan, but we note the elephant in the room which is the Henderson Precinct's readiness to start building subsequent ships in WA from 2029. Links: Increasing geopolitical risk drives NDS & IIP www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/increasing-geopolitical-risk-drives-nds-and-iip Australia and Japan sign general purpose frigates contract www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/australia-and-japan-sign-general-purpose-frigates-contract ------------------ 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

    19 min
  5. Translating human intent into autonomous support

    14 APR

    Translating human intent into autonomous support

    In this episode, Grant McHerron talks with Michael Irwin, Founder and CEO of Breaker Industries, about how its autonomous platform turns human intent into robotic support. We begin our discussion by getting a history of Michael’s career and Breaker Industries, and assess the differences between true autonomy vs remote control. We review how the system was built from the autonomous decision making protocols, to authentication and validation measures, and voice recognition training. Michael shares how the software is installed and the open modular design to connect many existing systems across multiple domains, making it integrate and adapt easily to hardware. We wrap up by reviewing use cases for their autonomous platform, and get an overview of their current funding and future plans for expansion into the US market. Links: Breaker Industries www.breakerindustries.com Breaker hopes to solve autonomous orchestration problem www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/breaker-hopes-to-solve-autonomous-orchestration-problem ------------------ 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

    23 min
  6. Australian sovereign software for global forces - Ocean Software

    7 APR

    Australian sovereign software for global forces - Ocean Software

    In this episode, Grant McHerron talks with Pete Smith, CEO of Ocean Software, about their sovereign built software FlightPRO® and its global growth. We begin our discussion by exploring Pete Smith's role as CEO of Ocean Software, focusing on their global growth in military training management and delve into Ocean's clients, including NATO members and European countries like Hungary, as well as outline how FlightPRO is used for tracking qualifications and managing wing operations. We then examine the challenges faced by defence forces regarding operational readiness and mission allocation and how they are addressed through data-driven analytics to increase efficiency and throughput in training programs. The conversation also covers trends such as supply chain resilience concerns and the need for faster speed-to-capability, emphasizing how their software enables warfighters to operate more effectively with fewer resources. Finally, we wrap up by discussing future directions including their partnership with ILIAS Solutions to enhance operational readiness metrics across platforms such as the F-16 and the F-35. Links: Ocean Software: ocean.software Ocean Software provides Operations and Training Management System to Hungary www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/ocean-software-provides-operations-and-training-management-system-to-hungary ------------------ 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

    31 min
  7. Singapore Air Show interviews with Bell, Aetosky and Top Aces

    31 MAR

    Singapore Air Show interviews with Bell, Aetosky and Top Aces

    This episode collects a number of interviews recorded at the Singapore Airshow 2026 during February. The episode starts with Dan McQuestin, Business Development Director at Bell, who discusses their 429 and 505 aircraft, virtual reality in their simulators, and the 505's ability to fly with or without augmentation to cover basic through to advanced training. We also talk about their involvement with military training, including the US Army's Flight School Next program, South Korea's military, and others, plus the recently released request from the ADF for a service to augment maintaining pilot currency. =—-= Next up is Greg Elliott, Senior Manager Military Sales & Strategy, IndoPac at Bell, who steps us through his career from flying A-4 Skyhawks with the RNZAF to being an Air Commodore with the RAAF and how he transitioned to Bell and rotorcraft. We review the MV-75 tilt rotor aircraft, previously known as the V-280 Valor, which is the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) for the US military and will replace the UH-60 Black Hawk. The conversation also touches upon design features, key capabilities and the accelerated delivery the US military have asked for. =—-= Moving to space and data intelligence, Dr Abhay Mittal, founder and CEO of Aetosky, talks to us about his company's use of AI to process geospatial data and intelligence information to generate location intelligence, facilitating dynamic updates and historical views of given locations. He also notes that their systems can be cloud based or on stand-alone systems to address data sovereignty, along with their recent arrangement with Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) to provide and scale storage and computing power for their clients. We wrap up by discussing Aetosky's interest in the Australian market. =—-= Wrapping up the episode is James “McGoo” McGovern (former F-15E pilot) and David Bradshaw (Royal Air Force veteran) who review their careers to date and working at Top Aces. The conversation delves into Top Aces' role in providing adversary air training services globally, including their flagship F-16 capabilities. We discuss how Top Aces collaborates with partners like the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and German Luftwaffe, focusing on replicating credible threats affordably to train military pilots effectively. Their proprietary Advanced Aggressor Mission System enables this flexible training approach across various aircraft platforms. Links: Bell 429, 505 and MV-75 www.bellflight.com/products/bell-429 www.bellflight.com/products/bell-505 www.bellflight.com/products/bell-mv-75 Aetosky www.aetosky.com Top Aces topaces.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

    55 min
  8. ADM Looks At: The Hunter Class Frigate Program

    29 MAR

    ADM Looks At: The Hunter Class Frigate Program

    Ewen Levick and Nigel Pittaway discuss the Hunter Class Frigate Program, with build of the first three ships well under way and more information being supplied about the ship design and the program itself. After discussing the current status, we consider the ship's design which is based on the UK's Type 26 Frigate, itself a replacement for their Type 23, noting the complexity of the design, its need to run as quietly as possible, and the differences Australia has introduced to the baseline. We also note that while Norway is buying the identical ship to the UK's design, the Canadians have also elected to modify the design for their River Class Frigates. We also address the issues raised in the mainstream media regarding the Hunter being overweight, over budget and late. While the Australian changes have added 500 tonnes to the design and increased the beam, the 2% performance impact against the Type 26 is considered within margins, especially given the increased capability it will have given the CEA radar and Aegis installation. It is acknowledged that the original budget of $35bn has increased to $44bn, however this appears to cover infrastructure build at Osborne in addition to the ship build itself. BAE Systems state that their $11.9bn contract for the first three ships is very close to their original estimate supplied to the government. The original schedule from 2019 has been delayed by 18 months due to COVID, the Type 26 design not being as mature as epxected, and delays from Australian design changes. The rebaselined schedule is currently being followed and the first ship is expected to be delivered in 2031. We wrap by noting the Australian industry that's already involved in the Hunter program and the opportunities for exports into the Global Combat Ship program which covers all four countries that will operate the Type 26. Links: Not just about building ships – Hunter Class Frigate Program www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/not-just-about-building-ships-hunter-class-frigate-program BAE Systems graduates first Hunter Class Frigate Program cohort www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/bae-systems-graduates-first-hunter-class-frigate-program-cohort A quiet Hunter - Navy's Future Frigate www.australiandefence.com.au/defence/sea/a-quiet-hunter-navy-s-future-frigate ------------------ 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

    14 min
4.6
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

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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