Tactics & Tech Podcast (TTP)

Joshua Bailey

TTP is your source for interesting stories involving tech, drones, robotics and automation for Defence and industry. We've got some jaw-dropping stories from people across the globe and aim to talk about some of the challenges we're facing across Defence and industry now and want to share our vision for the future of these technologies! Your hosts, Andrew Crowe and Josh Bailey have spent years in UAS, CUAS, Robotics and Defence tech and want to democratise robotics, drones and autonomous systems, by sharing inspiring stories, education & information through podcasts, YouTube and education through our website. If you're interested in being on the show or working with us, please get in touch at info@ttpod.net or our website www.ttpod.net

  1. From Drone Racing to the Battlefield: Keirin Joyce Part 2

    4 days ago

    From Drone Racing to the Battlefield: Keirin Joyce Part 2

    Wing Commander Keirin Joyce returns for Part 2 of his Tactics & Tech conversation, turning to where uncrewed systems are heading next. Drawing on his PhD in technology prediction, Keirin argues the hardware problems are largely a matter of time, while the real challenges lie in software, autonomy, and trust. In conversation with hosts Andrew Crowe and Josh Bailey, Keirin explains why certification has become the long pole in the tent for the whole industry, from AI-generated code that 1990s-era standards were never built to handle, to hydrogen-electric propulsion no aviation safety authority yet knows how to certify. The tension is clear: in a society that grants no trust until something is certified, regulation may be a bigger brake on progress than technology. The episode also looks at how military drone racing builds social licence for drones, opens STEM pathways into defence industry and academia, and creates adaptive sport for injured and veteran personnel. Key takeaways (00:00 to 01:15) The ScanEagle began as a tuna-spotting aircraft before soldiers repurposed it for surveillance, a perfect example of Keirin's theme that technology becomes powerful or not depending on how people use it. (02:28 to 04:55) Military drone racing is gaining momentum, with upcoming events in the US and UK, growing interest from Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore, and a possible event in Australia's north around 2027. (05:22 to 06:45) Hardware is advancing steadily, but software, AI and autonomy are the hard problems, along with how to trust code a human did not write. (06:52 to 07:55) Certification is the biggest bottleneck, with software standards rooted in 1990s aircraft practice and poorly suited to AI-generated code. (08:23 to 09:55) Hydrogen-electric propulsion is a major focus for new designs, yet no safety authority anywhere has a regulation for certifying it. (09:55 to 10:55) Regulation, not technology, may be the primary constraint, with the real challenge being the balance between under and over regulation. (12:36 to 13:25) Australia has grown to around 30,000 remote pilot licences in a decade, while the regulator's capacity has not kept pace. (13:25 to 16:25) Military drone racing is building social licence, STEM and recruitment pathways, and adaptive sport for veterans, with a pitch for Invictus around 2031.

    25 min

  2. 4 days ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: No Magic Pill with Blake Mycoskie

    Introducing Midlife Isn't a Crisis - It's a Metamorphosis w/ Chip Conley from No Magic Pill with Blake Mycoskie. Follow the show: No Magic Pill with Blake Mycoskie Chip Conley was driving to the Golden Gate Bridge to jump when a phone call with a friend and a song on the radio made him reconsider ending his life. He was in his late 40s, a time in which data shows we are generally at our unhappiest. Now, the former hospitality entrepreneur runs the Modern Elder Academy, which has helped more than 7,000 people embrace getting older. He and Blake discuss the happiness curve and Chip reveals the greatest longevity hack there is: changing your mindset on aging gains you seven and a half years of life! In this conversation you’ll learn: – What midlife means and why it’s a chrysalis moment – What an ego death is and how to go through one safely – How to move from facts to stories to the essence of who you are – How to shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset – How to build male friendships that are eye to eye rather than shoulder to shoulder – The importance of curating the five people closest to you You can learn more about Chip Conley and buy his books at https://chipconley.com/my-books/.  Enough Foundation's mission is to spread reminders in every form — bracelets, messages, actions, community — until feeling ENOUGH becomes the cultural default. To learn more, visit weareenough.co. Produced, Directed, and Cinematography by Wubetu Shimelash / IG: Wubetu Shimelash Disclaimer: No purchase necessary. While supplies last. Visit http://www.weareenough.co/rules for full terms. More information on Blake’s other projects here:  Morning Water  Morning Water is a daily hydration formula that restores energy, balance, and performance with essential electrolytes, minerals, and nutrients in one simple routine.  To learn more, visit morningwater.co and use code NOMAGICPILL for 25% off your first order. SONIA  Sonia is a conversational AI companion designed for emotional support. Through voice and text, it offers guided wellbeing sessions, including meditations, journaling, personalized recommendations, and practical exercises. To learn more, visit www.soniahealth.com and download it on the App Store. MOOVLAB At MOOVLAB, we bring health and wellness to your workday.  MOOVLAB - the answer to sitting is moving.  To learn more, visit www.moovlab.com Follow Blake on Instagram and stay up to date with Lemonada on Facebook and Instagram. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at lemonadapremium.com. Subscribe to Spotify Premium to watch ad-free video. Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical questions or concerns you may have. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. 250 Kilos, 750 Kilometres, Fully Uncrewed - with Keirin Joyce

    24 May

    250 Kilos, 750 Kilometres, Fully Uncrewed - with Keirin Joyce

    Wing Commander Keirin Joyce returns to Tactics & Tech to discuss some of the most significant uncrewed systems work underway in Australia today. Fresh off the country's sixth Military International Drone Racing Tournament, Keirin provides an in-depth look at Camel Train, an aerial autonomous logistics project built on an Australian Jabiru aircraft fitted with a fully sovereign autonomy stack. The platform is designed to carry 250kg over 750km to any location with a suitable landing strip, without a pilot on board. In conversation with hosts Andrew Crowe and Josh Bailey, Keirin explains the project's civilian and defence applications, the regulatory pathway being navigated through a CASA experimental certificate, and why Australia is uniquely positioned to lead the world in uncrewed systems development. Our discussion also explores the Corvo X small UAS, eight years in the making, and how military drone racing has evolved from a way to support soldiers' hobbies into a genuine proving ground for emerging tactics. Key takeaways Camel Train is a sovereign Australian capability, integrating technology from RF Design, CubePilot, Revolution Aerospace and Mission Systems into a single common autonomy stack. The platform is designed to carry 250kg over 750km to anywhere a light sports aircraft can land, with the goal of going fully uncrewed at an upcoming flight test in South Australia. A CASA experimental pathway is deliberately enabling the technology to proliferate into the commercial sector, with clear humanitarian value such as resupplying communities cut off by cyclones. Australia is helping drive international detect-and-avoid standards, including the newly released certification standard, putting local industry at the cusp of being first to market. The Corvo X small UAS is the standout of Keirin's career, eight years in the making, now the only belly-sitter VTOL small UAS in service anywhere and available in a non-ITAR export version. Military drone racing began as a way to support soldiers' hobbies and quickly became a tactics incubator, with the 2022 Ukraine experience validating ideas the teams had been exploring since 2017. Recent tournament serials show sport translating directly into tactics, from precision payload delivery to aerial jousting, where the Australian Navy team scored a standout intercept. Stick around for Part 2 next week!

    20 min
  4. Thinking Like the Bad guys: Counter-Drone Tactics & Tech with Department 13's Ben Westgarth

    20/04/2025

    Thinking Like the Bad guys: Counter-Drone Tactics & Tech with Department 13's Ben Westgarth

    🔍 Episode Summary: In this episode, we sit down with the Chief Technology Officer of Department 13, a leading Australian counter-drone company, to explore how they're reshaping the fight against rogue and non-cooperative drone threats. We dive into the real-world challenge of drone detection and takeover, the philosophy behind resilient electronic warfare systems, and why traditional jamming isn't enough. From audio signal processing to RF exploitation, the CTO shares his unique journey from self-taught software engineer to leading one of Australia's most advanced drone defense tech teams. This episode unpacks how Department 13 is building smart, low-signature, protocol-based takeover systems that don't just jam—they outthink. 🔑 Key Topics Covered: From Hacking Audio to Drones – How a career in digital audio signal processing evolved into RF-based drone defense. Protocol-Based Takeover – Why precision, not power, wins the counter-drone battle. Resilience Over Reaction – Designing systems that anticipate future threats, not just today's. Non-Cooperative Users – The growing problem of unauthorized drones over prisons, critical infrastructure, and conflict zones. Real-World Deployments – How Department 13 detects hundreds more drones than site owners expect. System-of-Systems Mindset – Why integration is the key to solving drone threats at scale. If you're interested in how to counter the growing threat of small drones—without starting an RF arms race—this is one you don't want to miss. Want a database of drone TTPs and searchable Lessons Learned? Get it for your team: https://dronesec.com/?ttp Find out more: https://department13.com/ or contact on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/department13 You can find more details on our website at: www.ttpod.net/ or follow us on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/ttpod

    30 min
  5. Robotic Javelin Fire & Building Uncrewed Systems Startups with Stephen Bornstein

    23/03/2025

    Robotic Javelin Fire & Building Uncrewed Systems Startups with Stephen Bornstein

    In this episode of the Tactics & Tech podcast, we're joined by Stephen Bornstein, founder of Cyborg Dynamics Engineering and Managing Director of Athena AI. Stephen walks us through the story behind Australia's first robotic Javelin missile fire, shares how AI-driven battlefield tech is transforming the fight, and offers rare insight into what it really takes to build a defence tech startup in Australia. This episode is packed with lessons on the future of uncrewed systems! 🔑 Key Takeaways: Robotic Javelin Fire – His team conducted Australia's first live Javelin missile fire from a robotic platform, pushing the boundaries of UGV firepower. Startup to Scale-Up – From an Army Reservist and aerospace engineer to leading two cutting-edge defence tech companies. AI for Decision Dominance – AI compresses the decision-making cycle by integrating target recognition, geospatial terrain analysis into live battle maps. Dual-Use Pivot – Originally defence-focused, both Athena and Cyborg have expanded into civil applications like perimeter security and underwater robotics. Breaking Into the U.S. – It took 18 months of collaboration with Tomahawk Robotics before landing their first U.S. contract.  UGVs in Warfare – With manpower shortages and the rise of FPV drones, uncrewed ground vehicles offer real mass and casualty reduction potential on the modern battlefield. TTPs, lessons learned and battlefield doctrine for Group 1-3 drones: https://dronesec.com/?ttp ——————————————— Learn more: 🔗 Athena AI 🔗 Cyborg Dynamics Engineering Find more on our website: 🌍 www.ttpod.net Follow us on LinkedIn: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ttpod

    33 min
  6. Swarm Troopers & the Future of Drone Warfare with David Hambling

    09/03/2025

    Swarm Troopers & the Future of Drone Warfare with David Hambling

    Summary In this episode we sit down with David Hambling, the author of Swarm Troopers and a prolific Uncrewed systems and tech Journalist, to dive into the rapid evolution of drone warfare. David shares how commercial drone technology has completely outpaced traditional military innovation, leading to a revolution on the battlefield. We discuss the failures of rigid defense procurement systems, the rise of AI-driven drone swarms, and how uncrewed systems are shaping the future of warfare. What really stood out was how drones have become a democratized technology—no longer limited to billion-dollar defense programs but now driven by individuals and small teams in garages, rapidly adapting and innovating. With China poised to make major breakthroughs in uncrewed warfare, the next decade will be a race to keep up, and I can't help but wonder if Western nations will be able to match the pace. Key Takeaways Drone Warfare's Rise – In Swarm Troopers (2015), David Hambling predicted the rise of small drones in combat. Today, conflicts like Ukraine confirm how commercial drone tech has reshaped warfare. Procurement Failures – Hambling criticizes Western defense procurement for repeated drone project failures. Meanwhile, Ukraine innovates rapidly, driven by frontline necessity and small startups. Swarming & Autonomy – AI-driven drone swarms are becoming a reality, with Ukraine, Israel, and others already experimenting with coordinated, high-speed attacks. Drone Tech for All – Unlike costly military R&D, drone innovations now come from individuals and small teams, leading to rapid battlefield adaptations like fiber-optic-controlled drones and incendiary 'Dragon Drones.' Future of Uncrewed Systems – China is emerging as a leader in drone warfare, developing advanced uncrewed carriers, aerial swarms, and undersea deterrents, challenging Western nations to keep up. Find out more about David at his website: https://www.swarm-troopers.com/ or contact on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-hambling-3037b7a/ You can find more details on our website at: www.ttpod.net/ or follow us on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/ttpod Lessons learned from drones on the frontlines—searchable, sortable, actionable: https://dronesec.com/?ttp

    31 min

  7. 23/02/2025

    Future War, Tactics & Tech: MAJ GEN Mick Ryan (Rtd) on Lessons from Ukraine and What's Next

    Episode Summary:  In this episode, we dive into the future of warfare with retired Major General Mick Ryan. As a leader, strategist, and author, Mick brings decades of experience and sharp insights into the evolving battlefield. We explore how uncrewed systems and innovative tactics are shaping modern conflicts like Ukraine and how Australia can prepare for its own future challenges. From leadership development to the urgent need for industrial reform, Mick shares why adapting quickly and thinking strategically are essential for success. This conversation is packed with lessons on how technology and tactics intersect in today's defense landscape. If you're passionate about where warfare is headed, this episode is for you. 1. Uncrewed Systems in Modern Warfare: Mick explains how Ukraine's innovative use of drones and uncrewed systems has transformed the battlefield. He highlights lessons on adapting these technologies for Australia's unique geography, threat environment, and strategic needs, emphasizing the need for both scalable and effective solutions. 2. Building Adaptive Leadership: The discussion covers the importance of fostering leaders who can learn through failure and adapt quickly in high-pressure situations. Mick underscores how reforms in force structure & training, like those currently happening at Duntroon, are vital to preparing Australia's next generation of military leaders. 3. Merging Tactics and Technology: Mick emphasizes that winning wars requires excellence in both tactics and technology. He explores how integrating mass, lower-cost uncrewed systems with traditional military assets enhances survivability and lethality, particularly in areas like ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) and strike capabilities. 4. Industrial and Bureaucratic Reform: The conversation identifies Australia's need to revitalize its industrial base to produce defense technologies rapidly in times of crisis. Mick highlights the barriers posed by rigid bureaucratic processes and calls for bold reforms to create a more agile and collaborative relationship between government, industry, and defense. 5. Strategic Thinking for Middle Powers: Mick shares insights on how non-nuclear nations like Australia can leverage innovative deterrence strategies, such as deploying large numbers of uncrewed systems across air, land, and sea, to create uncertainty for adversaries and enhance national security Find out more about Mick Ryan's books or other articles on his website: https://mickryan.com.au/ or contact on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mick-ryan-am-ba299540/ You can find more details on our website at: www.ttpod.net/ or follow us on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/ttpod Lessons learned from drones on the frontlines—searchable, sortable, actionable: https://dronesec.com/?ttp

    41 min
  8. Drone Threats, and the New Jersey Mystery: Inside the World of drone Intel with Mike Monnik

    09/02/2025

    Drone Threats, and the New Jersey Mystery: Inside the World of drone Intel with Mike Monnik

    Episode Summary: In this episode, we explore the cutting-edge world of drone threats and counter-UAS systems with Mike Monnik, founder of DroneSec. From high-tech adversary tactics to the intriguing mystery of recent drone sightings in New Jersey, this episode dives deep into how intelligence shapes the fight for control of the skies. Discover how drones are evolving as tools of both innovation and disruption, and why the battlefield is no longer limited to conflict zones. Whether you're fascinated by technology, strategy, or the future of aerial security, this episode offers an unprecedented look at the hidden world of drone operations. Key Takeaways: 1. The New Jersey Drone Reports: • Misidentifications, hobbyist drones, and law enforcement operations often get mistaken for hostile or nefarious activity. • Media sensationalism can create unnecessary fear, obscuring the real risks and patterns. 2. Adversary Tactics and Trends: • The rise of fiber-optic cable drones in conflict zones, allowing uninterrupted communication and evasion of countermeasures. • Layered attacks using incendiary and explosive payloads reveal innovative approaches to bypass defenses. 3. The Role of Intelligence in Counter-UAS: • Intelligence is critical for understanding threats, identifying vulnerabilities, and avoiding ineffective countermeasures. • Open-source and underground intelligence gathering sheds light on global drone usage trends. 4. Threat Migration to Civilian Contexts: • Drones are increasingly used for illegal activities like smuggling, prison contraband delivery, and even bushfire arson. • Tactical methods from conflict zones are quickly adapted for use in civilian spaces. 5. Future Trends in Counter-UAS: • Autonomous systems, kinetic solutions, and predictive intelligence will drive the next wave of counter-UAS innovation. • Enhanced public awareness and transparency are essential to demystify drones and mitigate misinformation. Find out more about DroneSec  at their website: https://dronesec.com/ or contact on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/XXXX https://www.linkedin.com/company/dronesec You can find more details on our website at: www.ttpod.net/ or follow us on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/ttpod

    49 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

TTP is your source for interesting stories involving tech, drones, robotics and automation for Defence and industry. We've got some jaw-dropping stories from people across the globe and aim to talk about some of the challenges we're facing across Defence and industry now and want to share our vision for the future of these technologies! Your hosts, Andrew Crowe and Josh Bailey have spent years in UAS, CUAS, Robotics and Defence tech and want to democratise robotics, drones and autonomous systems, by sharing inspiring stories, education & information through podcasts, YouTube and education through our website. If you're interested in being on the show or working with us, please get in touch at info@ttpod.net or our website www.ttpod.net

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