Australian Defence Magazine Podcast

Australian Defence Magazine
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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. 18h ago

    Nuclear subs can't solve everything & Houthis help Iran further influence global oil supply

    This is another of our Global Outlook series where we discuss the latest global geopolitical developments that we're keeping an eye on. We start by quickly noting that Canada is seeking to become an associate member of the EU in order to balance against threats from the United States, while there are rumours of Xi Jinping's possible health issues which, true or not, highlight the impacts to China's leadership if he should pass without an heir. A situation which would also apply to Russia should Putin's health give out. Moving on we look at Kevin Rudd's recent speach at the Australian Institute of International Affairs where he highlighted the size of our coastline and our dependence on trade to justify the need for a World Class Navy and nuclear attack submarines. While we do not disagree about the need for a world class navy, we note our concerns at the number of maritime and joint capabilities that have been cancelled or reduced in order to fund AUKUS. The list is long and that's not even including purely Army or Air Force capabilities. We also note that Canada has a longer coastline than Australia and they have purchased advanced diesel electric submarines from TKMS, not nuclear boats. We also note that if we want to protect trade, our largest trade partner is China, but we are justifying AUKUS as defence against China. Our concern is that we will not have a world class Navy if we keep defunding new and updated capabilities while not funding sustainment to the levels our current Navy requires. Next up is, of course, the Houthis taking control of Western Yemen and being in the perfect position to deny Saudi vessels access to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. We note that the Saudi's lack of embedded officers with the Yemenis to coordinate strikes from long range fires or aircraft meant that there were no airstrikes on the Houthis. We also discuss the USA declining to support the Saudis and that Iran now has some level of control over two critical oil routes. From there we look at Stephen Miller's claims that rule of power and might is now the way of the world, as it previous has been, ignoring the evidence that demonstrates the fallacy of this argument: Iran hasn't capitulated and Greenland hasn't been invaded. If anything this reinforces the power of the bond market and how the USA remains tied to NATO as the USA's senior leadership becomes an echo chamber following the loss of so many experienced staff from the State Department and Department of Defence. We wrap by returning to nuclear attack submarines and note that, while they are incredible and powerful elements of a world class navy, they are not the solution to everything. A balanced force is required for a world class Navy and Australia is not committing the funds required to ensure it has one. Links: Utopia clip regarding boosting defence to protect our trade with China from China https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgspkxfkS4k Stephen Miller Says ‘Nobody’s Going To Fight’ US Over Greenland https://www.newsweek.com/stephen-miller-says-no-one-will-fight-us-over-greenland-11312514 ------------------ 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

    Nuclear subs can't solve everything & Houthis help Iran further influence global oil supply

  2. Sep 13

    Global Outlook on the Falklands, the bond market, and Israel vs Turkey

    This is the first of our new Global Outlook series where we discuss the latest global geopolitical developments that we're keeping an eye on. We start with the situation between the UK, Argentina and the USA over the contentious issue of the Falkland Islands where oil reserves have been discovered. While Argentina's capabilities have reduced and the UK has increased its protection of the islands, Argentina continues to claim the islands and the USA is willing to use this dispute against its own ally. If they're willing to do this against the UK, along with their approach to Canada, clearly they would do the same to Australia if they wanted to claim their bases in Australia as sovereign US territory. We then move onto the one thing in the world that could change the Trump administration's course and that's the global bond market, which has toppled a UK Prime Minister and already made the administration blink early in their current tenure. After this, we turn to the Middle East where Israel and Turkey are starting to posture and position against each other, which is also impacting Greece which has improved relationships with Israel. As this develops, all eyes will be on the USA to see how they react if the situation between three of their allies deteriorates significantly. ------------------ 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

    Global Outlook on the Falklands, the bond market, and Israel vs Turkey

  3. Sep 7

    US to increase military presence in Australia, StrikeMaster success, and Indonesia's carrier

    In this News Review episode, Grant McHerron, Nigel Pittaway and Kirra Davey discuss a few recent news items of interest. We start with the news that Defence Minister Marles has met with the US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to discuss increasing US military presence in Australia, with more details expected after the next AUSMIN meetings expected before the end of 2026. The discussion moves on to the news that the StrikeMaster has been involved in NATO exercises in Europe, with Kongsberg and Thales referring to the capability as ready to go now, thanks to the NSM and Bushmaster being in production. Meanwhile, the PrSM increment 2 missile with the ability to hit moving targets remains in development. Finally, we look at a former Italian aircraft carrier being donated to Indonesia on the proviso that Indonesia funds any refurbishment it may require. We wrap with a discussion regarding ADM's presence at Land Forces and the WA Defence Summit next month plus note that the next issue of the magazine will be delivered in time for distribution at both events. Links: Kongsberg and Thales StrikeMaster exercises in Europe https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/kongsberg-and-thales-strikemaster-exercises-in-europe Indonesia acquires Italian aircraft carrier https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/indonesia-acquires-italian-aircraft-carrier ------------------ 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

    US to increase military presence in Australia, StrikeMaster success, and Indonesia's carrier

  4. Aug 26

    Women in Defence: Supporting the spouses and families of members and industry staff

    In this episode we present the audio from ADM's Women In Defence Network and Women in Defence UK webinar held on the 24th of June. The panelists were Kelly Hopkins, Director of Defence at Hays, Natalie Desty, the founder and director of STEM Returners, Hayley Boswell, founder of Defence Kids, and Helen Callis, director of Recruit for Spouses. The moderator was Kathryn Essex, Head of Defence and Security Industry or Australia and New Zealand at the British High Commission in Canberra. The episode commences with an overview of the issue from Kylie Leonard, ADM's Associate Publisher, who also tells us about the Women in Defence Networks coming up during the year. Next up, Kathryn Essex introduces the panelists and opens the session with the first topic, which was to identify one structural change defence organisations could make to help retain spouses and families over the long term. This leads to the next topic which was how organisations can make use of carers returning to the workforce rather than treating them as a risk. Next up we review the work of Defence Kids and the importance of supporting children through their parent's deployments and relocations. This leads to a discussion of how best to position military spouses as part of the future talent pipeline for AUKUS. We wrap up with a series of questions from the audience and also reflecting on each country's unique approach can benefit others through shared knowledge and coordinated efforts. Links: ADM Women in Defence Network https://admwomenindefencenetwork.com.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

  5. Aug 23

    South Korean exercise cancelled, balance of power impacts, and our ground based air defence

    In this News Review episode, Grant McHerron and Ewen Levick discuss a couple of topical subjects and their implications for Australia. With the Strait of Hormuz becoming a forever war, there's not much new to mention there so we start with a discussion about Donald Trump dramatically scaling back joint military exercises with South Korea and other countries, incuding Australia, due to cost and not wanting to appear hostile to North Korea. Meanwhile, North Korea is sending troops to Russia to help with Ukraine while Russia is sending them their latest military technology, disrupting the balance of power on the Korean peninsula. How does this development align with Australia's views of Korea and peace in the Asian region? We also discuss President Trump's executive order telling the Pentagon to investigate going back to steam catapults for the new Ford class aircraft carriers and to also move the superstructure (aka "The Island") further forward to improve its looks. What implications could this have to the AUKUS program, SSN AUKUS, and US expectations of Australia's supply of funds to the US coffers. Meanwhile, Australia appears to have recognised the need for Ground Based Air Defence systems that has been demonstrated in the Iran conflict. We discuss our current defensive capability against aircraft, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles, then assess progress to date on the various projects to field Medium Range GBAD including 6502 and 6503 being folded into 6500 then defunded. We look at the reasons for the pause in 2024 and how current efforts reflect against those justifications. ------------------ 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

    South Korean exercise cancelled, balance of power impacts, and our ground based air defence

  6. Aug 18

    From XTEK Body Armour to C-UAS & international business with HighCom

    In this episode, Grant McHerron talks with Geoff Knox, Executive Chairman and Group CEO from HighCom Group, and Bede Galvin, the President of HighCom Technology. We begin our discussion by reviewing the roles of Geoff Knox and Bede Galvin and they explain how HighCom Armour, Technology, and Defence work together to support frontline personnel. The conversation then explores their global business operations with both men travelling extensively recently to stay current with technology trends and client needs across the US and Europe, helping them provide timely solutions for defence and first responders. We also examine HighCom's counter-UAS technologies, including their wearable systems, and how drawing on expertise from Ukraine is ensuring their solutions are relevant for defence operations globally. We then discuss HighCom's body armour that developed from their Australian XTEK lightweight, neutrally bouyant, and moldable to better fit a range of body shapes and lighten loads for soldiers carrying protective gear Links: HighCom Group https://highcom.group/ ------------------ 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

    From XTEK Body Armour to C-UAS & international business with HighCom

  7. Aug 11

    Building Australia's defence industry to support AUKUS

    In this episode, Grant McHerron talks with Peter Anusas, the General Manager for Empower Advisory AUS/UK, Gary Meaney, Lendlease’s Defence Construction Director, and Scott Olsen, the Chief Executive Officer of Fredon Group. The topic for the episode is building Australia's defence future with a focus on AUKUS. We begin our discussion by exploring the foundations required for AUKUS success, including political alignment and workforce training needs. The guests then delve into the challenges surrounding security clearances and ensuring Australia has the skilled personnel to sustain nuclear submarines. They also discuss the importance of early prime contractor involvement (ECI) in streamlining processes and fostering collaboration. Furthermore, they assess how Australia can develop sovereign capability without relying on continual foreign involvement, highlighting the need for efficient procurement models and strengthening local industry capacity. Finally, we consider the long-term legacy of AUKUS, focusing on creating sustainable defence jobs within Australia. The episode concludes by reinforcing that government and industry must prioritize these tasks to ensure a successful outcome. Links: Empower Advisory powered by BMD https://www.empowergroup.global/advisory and https://www.bmdgroup.global Lendlease Defence and National Security https://www.lendlease.com/construction/defence Fredon Group https://www.fredon.com.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

    Building Australia's defence industry to support AUKUS

  8. Jul 28

    JORN and high frequency technologies in Australia and North America with BAE Systems Australia

    In this episode, Grant McHerron visits BAE Systems Australia (BAESA) at Edinburgh Parks to talk with Ashley Searl, Director of Strategic Surveillance, and Nathan Herrmann, HF Sensing Program Director, about the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) and the recently confirmed sale of Over The Horizon Radar (OTHR) technology to Canada. We begin our discussion by reviewing the history of JORN, starting from early experiments in the 1950s with high-frequency signals and progressing to the current three sites in WA, NT and QLD being controlled from RAAF Base Edinburgh. We then cover the current activities on JORN, including its enhancement project and midlife upgrade (Project Air 2025 Phase 6), where BAESA is the prime integrator collaborating closely with the Defence Science and Technology Group. Moving on to the recent sale of JORN to Canada we cover how the sale was established, the changes that will be required to accommodate polar operations, Canada's own research into OTHR systems, and BAESA's involvement in delivering the solution. We also discuss BAESA's exports of high frequency products to the USA along with the importance of export sales to maintaining and recruiting the skilled workforce. We wrap up with an assessment of the future for OTHR sales and opportunities in other areas of the world. Links: BAE Systems’ OTHR and high frequency technology overview https://www.baesystems.com/en/product/over-the-horizon-radar-and-high-frequency-technology BAE Systems' JORN Overview https://www.baesystems.com/en-aus/product/jorn Canada to sign major JORN deal https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/canada-to-sign-major-jorn-deal NOTE: This episode was sponsored by BAE Systems. ------------------ 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

    JORN and high frequency technologies in Australia and North America with BAE Systems Australia
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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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