Allies in Innovation

Terma A/S

Allies in Innovation is the podcast that reveals some of the most advanced technologies on the planet. Technologies that will not only fascinate you but will change how you live your everyday life and ultimately change the world. In the podcast we talk with the engineers behind the technological innovations, and we ask them, why it fascinates them and how it will come to change the future. In the podcast, we’re zooming in on how to gain situational awareness of the Arctics, how to drive innovation in cutting-edge technology, and how to build for space. So, join us today, as we dive into the innovations and partnership that will shape the future of space exploration, surveillance, and warfare. This podcast is brought to you by Terma. This podcast is produced by Montanus.

  1. 15: When Drones Slip Past the Radar

    22 OCT

    15: When Drones Slip Past the Radar

    A drone buzzes low over a restricted zone. It’s too small to spot on radar, too fast to intercept in time. It’s not science fiction. It’s happening right now, at nuclear plants, power grids and government offices. In this episode, host Mikkel Svold talks with Karsten Marrup from the Royal Danish Defense College and Lasse Due Jørgensen from Terma, a global leader in drone defense tech. They break down how drones are pushing past old security systems and what’s actually working to stop them. We get into real-world tactics, the limits of current tech and how AI fits into the picture. The future has arrived faster than expected, and it’s up to us to meet it head-on. In this episode, you'll learn about: 1. Types of drones national security must counter. 2. Why different drones need different countermeasures. 3. How critical infrastructure protects against drone threats. 4. Impact of hybrid warfare on critical infrastructure. 5. Challenges of leveling the field with scalable counter systems. 6. Role of AI in evolving drone threats. Episode Content 01:55 Different types of drones and their purposes 06:18 Drones for critical infrastructure protection 08:00 Understanding motives behind drone activities 09:24 Challenges in detecting and countering drones 11:00 Radar limitations for small drones explained 13:53 Building a layered defense approach 17:27 Prioritizing critical infrastructure protection strategies 19:48 Mitigating threats from cheap drones 22:45 Importance of passive air defense measures 26:16 Exploring hybrid warfare and its implications 29:47 Cybersecurity and space operations questions to consider 34:15 Future of drone technology and defense strategie Production This podcast is brought to you by Terma.  This podcast is produced by Montanus.

    38 min
  2. 14: Preparing for Q-Day: Cybersecurity in the Age of Quantum and AI

    10 SEPT

    14: Preparing for Q-Day: Cybersecurity in the Age of Quantum and AI

    Cyber security is no longer an afterthought. Cyber threads are now shaping the foundation of defense and critical infrastructure systems. At the same time, emerging technologies like quantum computing and AI are accelerating faster than expected, bringing both opportunities and risks. In this episode of Allies in Innovation, host Mikkel Svold sits down once again with Samant Khajuria, Vice President of Quantum and Cyber at Terma. They revisit the evolving cyber landscape, explore how defense organizations are preparing for “Q-Day” (when quantum computers can break today’s encryption), and discuss the crucial role of collaboration in staying ahead. They also cover practical challenges, from legacy systems to shifting standards, and explain why cyber needs to be integrated from the very first design stage and not added later. If you want to understand how the defense industry is gearing up for disruptive technologies, this episode will give you a front-row seat. In this episode, you'll learn about: Why cyber is moving from “add-on” to a core design requirement.How NATO standards are shaping interoperability across defense systems.The convergence of cyber, AI, and quantum - and the risks of misuse.The looming quantum threat: “harvest now, decrypt later.”How post-quantum cryptography and quantum key distribution could secure the future.Real-world challenges in transitioning legacy systems.The importance of partnerships and joint strategies in Europe and beyond.Why quantum sensing might become a game-changer in the next five years. Episode Content 00:00 Introduction to Cyber and Quantum with Samant Khajuria 01:54 Cybersecurity as a fundamental requirement in defense and infrastructure 03:29 The shift from “add-on” security to built-in resilience 05:41 Disruptive technologies: cyber, AI, quantum, and their dual-use risks 08:58 Collaboration and partnerships to keep pace with rapid innovation 09:38 Preparing for Q-Day: harvest now, decrypt later 10:52 Post-quantum cryptography and quantum key distribution in practice 12:47 Challenges of legacy systems and new cyber standards 15:09 Roadmap: proof-of-concepts and quantum key exchange projects 16:42 How smaller organizations can prepare for cyber and quantum threats 18:06 Quantum sensing and other non-cyber applications of quantum tech 19:40 Looking ahead: strategy, digitization, and reducing red tape Production This podcast is brought to you by Terma.  This podcast is produced by Montanus.

    22 min
  3. 13: How Space Communication Changed with Software-Defined Radio

    6 AUG

    13: How Space Communication Changed with Software-Defined Radio

    How do you keep communication systems in space agile, secure, and mission-ready? Software-defined radio (SDR) might be your best answer. In this episode of Allies in Innovation, host Mikkel Svold talks with Andreas Stren, lecturer at the University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt, and Alexander Spaniol, RF engineer at Terma. They break down how SDR shifts control from hardware to software, enables remote updates, faster adjustments to mission demands, and better risk management. They also get into real-world SDR use cases, cybersecurity challenges, and why the tech could be a game-changer for ground stations and smaller space operators. If you’re into the current or future space communication systems, this one’s worth a listen. In this episode, you'll learn about: Key benefits of software-defined radio in space missions.How SDR enhances flexibility and re-configurability for satellites.Overcoming SDR challenges: radiation effects and cybersecurity.The role of virtualization in satellite communication solutions.Future prospects: cost-effective and accessible ground stationsEpisode Content 00:00 Introduction to Software-Defined Radio and Guests   00:47 What is Software-Defined Radio (SDR)?   01:43 Transition from Hardware to Software-Defined Systems   03:15 Advantages of Reduced Hardware in Space Missions   05:39 Flexibility and Reconfigurability in SDR Applications   08:12 Risks and Challenges of Using SDRs in Space   12:33 Cybersecurity Concerns in Software-Defined Systems   14:07 Connection Between SDR and Virtualization   16:22 Cost-Effectiveness of Virtualized Ground Stations   17:22 Educational Impact of SDR in Aerospace Training   28:42 Future Trends in SDR for Communication Services Production This podcast is brought to you by Terma. This podcast is produced by Montanus. Production This podcast is brought to you by Terma.  This podcast is produced by Montanus.

    32 min
  4. 12: Rearming Europe: how we defend the continent

    30 JUN

    12: Rearming Europe: how we defend the continent

    Is Europe ready for the next wave of security threats? With Denmark stepping into the EU presidency and war still raging in Ukraine, defense strategy across the continent is under pressure to adapt.  In this episode, host Mikkel Svold speaks with Christine Nissen, Chief Analyst at Think Tank Europa, and Séverin Schnepp, Associate Director at Terma, to uncover Denmark’s growing role, the EU’s shifting posture, and defense industry readiness. Can Europe act together? Are current capabilities enough? And what should the defense sector expect? **In this episode, you'll learn about:** Denmark's EU presidency and its impact on European security.How EU defense policies are shaped during presidencies.Denmark's shifting stance on EU defense cooperation.Balancing conventional and unconventional security threats in Europe.Industry and government roles in defense capability development.Importance of collaboration in European defense strategies. ## Episode Content 01:17 Overview of EU Presidency and its significance 03:04 Influence of Denmark on the EU agenda 05:12 Historical skepticism of Denmark towards EU defense 09:30 Industry perspective on changing defense dynamics 13:05 Public sentiment regarding EU defense cooperation 15:39 Upcoming agendas for Denmark's EU Presidency 18:43 Budgeting goals and legislative conclusions for defense 21:51 Ready for conflict by 2030: key concerns 25:17 Addressing conventional and unconventional threats 31:38 Future of European defense collaboration strategies 34:47 Top priorities for Denmark during the presidency ## Production This podcast is brought to you by Terma. This podcast is produced by Montanus. Production This podcast is brought to you by Terma.  This podcast is produced by Montanus.

    39 min
  5. 18 JUN · BONUS

    Special: Defending Europe, Now and in the Future | Live from Paris Air Show

    Europe’s defense priorities are shifting fast – but are governments moving quickly enough? Join us at the Paris Air Show where we talk with Georgia Pickering from CMS Strategic and Steen Lynenskjold of Terma about how the UK and Denmark are responding to rising tensions, urgent rearming pressures, and what NATO and the EU are getting right – and wrong. In this episode You’ll learn about the funding gaps, where skills and tech still fall short, and how politics, industry, and the military are actually working together to meet Europe’s 2030 defense goals. Short, sharp, and brutally honest. In this episode, you'll learn about: The impact of defense budget increases in Europe and NATO.The UK's current stance and future on defense spending.How the Danish defense industry is responding to new demands.The role of SMEs in strengthening the defense sector.Innovations and challenges in European defense investments.How non-traditional companies are changing the defense landscape. Episode Content 01:41 Discussion on Europe's rearming urgency 06:00 Addressing capability and skills gaps in defense 07:32 Perception shifts due to support for Ukraine 09:54 The importance of industry certainty and investment 10:55 Accelerating defense capabilities within the industry 15:52 The blurring lines between civil and defense industries 19:26 Non-traditional companies entering the defense sector 22:52 Launch of new technology during the air show 30:00 Closing remarks and listener engagement invitation Production This podcast is brought to you by Terma. This podcast is produced by Montanus and LoudColors. Special thanks to Paris Air Show and CMS Strategic for joining the conversation. Production This podcast is brought to you by Terma.  This podcast is produced by Montanus.

    31 min
  6. 4 JUN

    11: Trust but Verify – The Critical Role of Supply Chain Security in Cyber Defense

    How do nations protect their most critical systems in an increasingly digital world?  In this episode of Allies in Innovation, host Mikkel Svold talks with Samant Khajuria, VP of Cyber and Quantum at Terma, and Jeffrey Saunders, CTO and Strategic Advisor at Denmark's National Defense Technology Center. They break down how governments, researchers, and the private sector work together to tackle cybersecurity challenges. From securing supply chains to tackling real-world defense threats, the conversation gets straight to what works—and what doesn't—when safeguarding national networks. Listen in to learn how collaboration, trust, and constant vigilance are shaping the future of cyber defense. In this episode, you'll learn about: 1. How collaboration strengthens cyber defense across industries. 2. The critical role of supply chain security. 3. Key certifications for robust cyber defense. 4. The intersection of IT and OT in cybersecurity. 5. How trust and verification impact national defense. 6. Insights into future collaboration for cybersecurity innovation. Episode Contents 00:11 Introduction to Cybersecurity in Defense with Samant Khajuria and Jeffrey Saunders  03:24 Building Trust Within Your Supply Chain   08:18 Ensuring Compliance Across Vendor Supply Chains   10:21 Integrating IT and OT for Enhanced Security   15:42 Collaboration Among Governments, Research, and Private Sector   17:36 Education and Knowledge Sharing in Cybersecurity   29:25 Future Collaborations and Building Trust Across Borders   32:59 Final Thoughts on Trust and Verification in Cybersecurity Production This podcast is brought to you by Terma. This podcast is produced by Montanus. Production This podcast is brought to you by Terma.  This podcast is produced by Montanus.

    35 min
  7. 14 MAY

    10: Autonomous Spacecraft and the Role of Software in Shaping the Future of Space Exploration

    Space hardware is getting a software upgrade — and it’s changing the rules. In this episode, Mikkel Svold speaks with aerospace lecturer Andreas Stren and RF engineer Alexander Spaniol from Terma about how configurable tech like FPGAs is giving satellites a second life. Smarter systems mean in-mission updates, greater resilience, and real-time adaptability in unpredictable environments. For those tracking the edge of space infrastructure — from mission ops to defense contractors — this conversation cuts to the core of what's next in agile satellite design. This is about what’s working, what’s coming, and why it matters. In this episode, you'll learn about: Discover how software redefines space tech design and functionality.Understand FPGA's role in software-driven space applications.Learn the shift from hardware to software-defined architectures.Explore mission agility with software reconfigurability onboard.Uncover how AI enhances satellite autonomous decision-making.Future vision: virtualization and onboard data processing evolution.Episode Contents 00:11 Introduction to software's evolution in space technology   01:06 Historical shifts: From analog systems to software-driven solutions   03:29 Role of software-defined architectures in space systems   04:53 Hardware requirements in harsh space environments   07:24 Enhancements in mission planning and satellite lifespan   10:52 Implications of increased processing power for satellites   13:28 Benefits of software-defined systems for mission adaptability   17:56 Automation and AI in satellite decision-making processes   22:13 Influence of new space actors on software advancements   25:21 Future developments: Virtualization and onboard data processing   28:50 Practical applications: Wildfire detection and autonomous landings Production This podcast is brought to you by Terma. This podcast is produced by Montanus. Production This podcast is brought to you by Terma.  This podcast is produced by Montanus.

    32 min
  8. 2 APR

    9: The Space Economy: Commercialization Through Partnerships

    Why is collaboration in space still so difficult? Despite high-profile partnerships like the ISS, geopolitical tensions, intellectual property disputes, and commercial interests often get in the way.   In this episode of Allies in Innovation, host Mikkel Svold talks with Kartik Kumar, CEO of satsearch, and Manfred Otto, Senior Director at Terma, about what’s really driving – and blocking – cooperation in the space industry. They cover the challenges of working across borders, how commercialization is reshaping partnerships, and the impact of AI and cybersecurity on collaboration.   For those navigating this high-stakes landscape, this is a conversation worth hearing. In this episode, you'll learn about: 1. Why collaboration isn't always seamless in the space industry. 2. Commercial off-the-shelf in space: reality or aspiration? 3. Navigating complexities like export control and IP in partnerships. 4. Impact of commercialization: driving standardization or commoditizing? 5. Is space heading for a Wild West gold rush? Episode Content 00:12 Introduction: Collaboration Challenges in the Space Industry   01:23 Observations on Industry Collaboration and Competition   02:41 Navigating Cross-Border Partnerships and Exhausting Legal Complexities   03:45 The Complexity of Satellite Production and Operations   06:15 Balancing Innovation with Regulatory Constraints   09:47 The Role of Smaller Companies in a Complex Ecosystem   13:08 Export Control and Compliance in Space Projects   17:40 Predicting the Future Demand in the Space Market   24:13 Trends Driving Commercialization in the Space Sector   30:45 Need for Standardization and Modular Approaches in Space Products   39:15 Making Space Accessible: The Future of Talent Acquisition ProductionThis podcast is brought to you by Terma  This podcast is produced by Montanus. Production This podcast is brought to you by Terma.  This podcast is produced by Montanus.

    43 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Allies in Innovation is the podcast that reveals some of the most advanced technologies on the planet. Technologies that will not only fascinate you but will change how you live your everyday life and ultimately change the world. In the podcast we talk with the engineers behind the technological innovations, and we ask them, why it fascinates them and how it will come to change the future. In the podcast, we’re zooming in on how to gain situational awareness of the Arctics, how to drive innovation in cutting-edge technology, and how to build for space. So, join us today, as we dive into the innovations and partnership that will shape the future of space exploration, surveillance, and warfare. This podcast is brought to you by Terma. This podcast is produced by Montanus.

You Might Also Like