Talking Tactics with Mel Pikos

Mel Pikos
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Talking Tactics breaks down the policies, the numbers and the politics shaping Australian business, the economy and defence. Pro-growth, pro-aspiration, and I follow the evidence wherever it leads. Talking Tactics is presented by Mel Pikos, Managing Director of TACTIC. TACTIC is an end-to-end solution for all your commercial office space needs including Workplace Strategy & Design | Occupier Advisory | Fitout Delivery. To increase the productivity of your office whilst strategically minimising costs, visit www.tactic.au or send an email to mel@tactic.au

  1. 20h ago

    Is China Becoming More Aggressive Towards Australia?

    Australia isn't at war with China. But the strategic environment around us is changing.Chinese warships have operated around Australia, conducted live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea, and demonstrated the ability to project military power deep into the Indo-Pacific. At the same time, Chinese state-linked cyber operators and intelligence services continue to target Australian networks, institutions and sensitive information.In this episode of Talking Tactics, we look at what these developments actually mean for Australia, from China's growing naval and missile capabilities to its expanding nuclear arsenal, cyber operations, espionage and influence activities.None of this necessarily means that war between Australia and China is inevitable. But it does raise an important question: is Australia's geography still enough to keep us safe?We look at what Australia could do to become harder to attack, disrupt or coerce, including strengthening deterrence, long-range strike, missile defence, intelligence and cyber security, critical infrastructure resilience, and regional partnerships.The goal isn't to predict a war. It's to understand the changing strategic environment and consider how Australia should prepare for it.00:00 Australia Is Not At War With China, But...00:51 China's Military Reach03:38 Cyber Warfare and Espionage06:19 China's Military and Nuclear Expansion07:47 What Should Australia Do In Response11:11 The Warning Signs---Like the 3D printed models in the background? They were provided by Spack.au and Talking Tactics viewers can get 5% off the Camouflage Models range by using the following link: https://shorturl.at/R0Rl4Discount will be applied at checkout after using this link and placing an order. ---Talking Tactics breaks down the policies, the numbers and the politics shaping Australian business, the economy and defence. Pro-growth, pro-aspiration, and I follow the evidence wherever it leads. Talking Tactics is presented by Mel Pikos, Managing Director of TACTIC. TACTIC is an end-to-end solution for all your commercial office space needs including Workplace Strategy & Design | Occupier Advisory | Fitout Delivery. To increase the productivity of your office whilst strategically minimising costs, visit www.tactic.au or send an email to mel@tactic.auFor business or sponsorship enquiries, please email matt@tactic.au ---Connect with us on our socials:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/talkingtacticswithmelpikoswww.facebook.com/talkingtacticswithmelpikosTactic Spaces on Facebook@mel_pikos on Twitter@melppikos on Instagram@melpikos on TikTok

    Is China Becoming More Aggressive Towards Australia?

  2. Sep 29

    What AUKUS Needs to Give Australia (Besides Submarines)

    AUKUS is giving Australia nuclear-powered submarines. But if we're serious about defending Australia, should submarines be the end of the shopping list?In this episode of Talking Tactics, we build an AUKUS Wishlist: a hypothetical list of additional capabilities Australia could potentially pursue through the AUKUS partnership.From long-range strike and hypersonic weapons to advanced air-to-air missiles, ballistic missile defence, submarine support ships and a resilient satellite network, these capabilities could give Australia a much broader system of deterrence across land, sea, air and space.The idea isn't that Australia should buy everything on this list. There are major questions around cost, technology, basing, sovereignty and whether every capability is actually the right fit for Australia.But if AUKUS is going to become more than a submarine program, what could that look like?What would you add to the AUKUS Wishlist? And are there any capabilities on this list that Australia simply doesn't need?00:00 The AUKUS Wishlist00:36 Deep Strike and Land-Based Fires04:37 Air Dominance, Range Extension and Integrated Defence07:28 Maritime Supremacy and Ballistic Defence09:13 Space Architecture and Over The Horizon Targeting09:54 What Would You Get?#AUKUS #Australia #ADF #AustralianDefence #Defence #Military #TalkingTactics---Like the 3D printed models in the background? They were provided by Spack.au and Talking Tactics viewers can get 5% off the Camouflage Models range by using the following link: https://shorturl.at/R0Rl4Discount will be applied at checkout after using this link and placing an order. ---Talking Tactics breaks down the policies, the numbers and the politics shaping Australian business, the economy and defence. Pro-growth, pro-aspiration, and I follow the evidence wherever it leads. Talking Tactics is presented by Mel Pikos, Managing Director of TACTIC. TACTIC is an end-to-end solution for all your commercial office space needs including Workplace Strategy & Design | Occupier Advisory | Fitout Delivery. To increase the productivity of your office whilst strategically minimising costs, visit www.tactic.au or send an email to mel@tactic.auFor business or sponsorship enquiries, please email matt@tactic.au ---Connect with us on our socials:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/talkingtacticswithmelpikoswww.facebook.com/talkingtacticswithmelpikosTactic Spaces on Facebook@mel_pikos on Twitter@melppikos on Instagram@melpikos on TikTok

    What AUKUS Needs to Give Australia (Besides Submarines)

  3. Sep 22

    The Missile Defence Options for Australia

    Could Australia defend itself against a large-scale missile or drone attack?In this episode of Talking Tactics, I'm looking at some of the real-world air and missile defence systems Australia could consider as part of a permanent, multi-layered national defence network.From the American Aegis Ashore system to mobile THAAD and Patriot batteries, Australia has a range of options for defending population centres, military bases and critical infrastructure against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, aircraft and drones.We also look at the growing threat posed by cheap attack drones, and the emerging technologies being developed to counter them, including the Rheinmetall Skyranger, EOS Slinger, directed-energy lasers and high-power microwave systems.Could these technologies form the basis of an Australian "Green and Gold Dome"?In this video:00:00 Australia's missile defence problem00:54 Aegis Ashore04:14 THAAD04:54 Patriot PAC-305:17 Australia's NASAMS06:27 The growing drone threat06:59 Skyranger and EOS Slinger07:42 Laser air defence08:13 High-power microwave systems09:25 What should Australia do?How should Australia approach national missile and drone defence? Should we invest in permanent fixed sites, mobile networks, or a combination of both?Let us know what you think in the comments.#Australia #MissileDefence #AirDefence #ADF #AustralianDefence #Military #Defence #AUKUS #Drones #TalkingTactics---Like the 3D printed models in the background? They were provided by Spack.au and Talking Tactics viewers can get 5% off the Camouflage Models range by using the following link: https://shorturl.at/R0Rl4Discount will be applied at checkout after using this link and placing an order. ---Talking Tactics breaks down the policies, the numbers and the politics shaping Australian business, the economy and defence. Pro-growth, pro-aspiration, and I follow the evidence wherever it leads. Talking Tactics is presented by Mel Pikos, Managing Director of TACTIC. TACTIC is an end-to-end solution for all your commercial office space needs including Workplace Strategy & Design | Occupier Advisory | Fitout Delivery. To increase the productivity of your office whilst strategically minimising costs, visit www.tactic.au or send an email to mel@tactic.auFor business or sponsorship enquiries, please email matt@tactic.au ---Connect with us on our socials:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/talkingtacticswithmelpikoswww.facebook.com/talkingtacticswithmelpikosTactic Spaces on Facebook@mel_pikos on Twitter@melppikos on Instagram@melpikos on TikTok

    The Missile Defence Options for Australia

  4. Aug 18

    Australia Isn't Ready for a Missile Attack

    Australia has a missile defence problem.As China rapidly expands its missile and nuclear arsenal, Australia needs to think seriously about how it would defend its military bases, submarine facilities, ports, fuel supplies and critical infrastructure from an attack.In this episode of Talking Tactics, we look at what Australia currently has, what our existing systems can actually defend against, and where the biggest gaps are.We look at NASAMS, the Hobart-class destroyers and their SM-2 and SM-6 missiles, Patriot, HIMARS and long-range strike, drones and counter-drone systems, and even the possibility of an Australian ICBM defence system.But missile defence is only part of the equation. Australia also needs deterrence. If we can't defend everything, how do we make sure an adversary thinks twice before attacking us?So, does Australia need a missile shield?What do you think? Let us know in the comments.Don't forget to like and subscribe to Talking Tactics with Mel Pikos for more Australian defence, foreign policy and national security analysis.00:00 Australia Missile Defence Problem01:10 China's Nuclear Build Up02:52 Australia's Missile Defence Capabilities04:16 What Needs Defending07:17 The Upgrades We Need11:17 The Real Defence Is Deterrence#Australia #MissileDefence #Defence---Like the 3D printed models in the background? They were provided by Spack.au and Talking Tactics viewers can get 5% off the Camouflage Models range by using the following link: https://shorturl.at/R0Rl4Discount will be applied at checkout after using this link and placing an order. ---Talking Tactics breaks down the policies, the numbers and the politics shaping Australian business, the economy and defence. Pro-growth, pro-aspiration, and I follow the evidence wherever it leads. Talking Tactics is presented by Mel Pikos, Managing Director of TACTIC. TACTIC is an end-to-end solution for all your commercial office space needs including Workplace Strategy & Design | Occupier Advisory | Fitout Delivery. To increase the productivity of your office whilst strategically minimising costs, visit www.tactic.au or send an email to mel@tactic.auFor business or sponsorship enquiries, please email matt@tactic.au ---Connect with us on our socials:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/talkingtacticswithmelpikoswww.facebook.com/talkingtacticswithmelpikosTactic Spaces on Facebook@mel_pikos on Twitter@melppikos on Instagram@melpikos on TikTok

    Australia Isn't Ready for a Missile Attack

  5. Aug 11

    We Don't Realise How Unprepared We Are For Conflict | Talking Tactics with Senator James Paterson

    Australia is entering one of the most challenging strategic environments in decades. But is our defence industry ready?In this special episode of Talking Tactics, Mel Pikos sits down with Shadow Minister for Defence, Senator James Paterson, to discuss the future of Australia's national security, defence industry, and military preparedness.The conversation explores Australia's defence manufacturing capability, the biggest capability gaps facing the Australian Defence Force, the impact of AUKUS, workforce and industrial challenges, and the lessons Australia should be drawing from recent global conflicts. They also discuss whether Australia is moving quickly enough to prepare for an increasingly uncertain Indo-Pacific.Whether you're interested in defence policy, national security, or Australia's strategic future, this interview provides an in-depth look at the issues shaping the country's defence debate.What do you think is the biggest challenge facing Australia's defence industry? Let us know in the comments below.If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone interested in Australia's future.00:00 Senator James Paterson01:27 How Prepared Is Australia for a Potential Conflict02:36 What Are Our Capability Gaps?03:39 How Do We Get Defence Manufacturing Back in Australia?05:16 Is Our Missile Defence Up to Scratch?07:21 Was the China ICBM Test a Provocation?08:14 Was the Chinese Circumnavigation of Australia a Problem? 10:02 What Capabilities Should Australia Acquire Besides Nuclear Submarines?11:55 What else should AUKUS Give Us Besides Submarines?13:38 Should We Be Defending Our Cities With Missile Batteries?14:36 What Would Coalition Defence Spending Look Like?16:52 Should Australia acquire nuclear weapons?18:27 Should We Be Deprioritising Our Relationship With the United States19:59 How Can We Shore Up Fuel Security?22:27 What Key Industries Should We Cultivate?24:30 How Can We Fix Defence Recruitment?#Australia #Defence #ADF #AUKUS #JamesPaterson #NationalSecurity #AustralianPolitics #Military #DefenceIndustry #TalkingTactics---Like the 3D printed models in the background? They were provided by Spack.au and Talking Tactics viewers can get 5% off the Camouflage Models range by using the following link: https://shorturl.at/R0Rl4Discount will be applied at checkout after using this link and placing an order. ---Talking Tactics breaks down the policies, the numbers and the politics shaping Australian business, the economy and defence. Pro-growth, pro-aspiration, and I follow the evidence wherever it leads. Talking Tactics is presented by Mel Pikos, Managing Director of TACTIC. TACTIC is an end-to-end solution for all your commercial office space needs including Workplace Strategy & Design | Occupier Advisory | Fitout Delivery. To increase the productivity of your office whilst strategically minimising costs, visit www.tactic.au or send an email to mel@tactic.auFor business or sponsorship enquiries, please email matt@tactic.au ---Connect with us on our socials:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/talkingtacticswithmelpikoswww.facebook.com/talkingtacticswithmelpikosTactic Spaces on Facebook@mel_pikos on Twitter@melppikos on Instagram@melpikos on TikTok

    We Don't Realise How Unprepared We Are For Conflict | Talking Tactics with Senator James Paterson

  6. Aug 5

    $30 Billion is Being Spent on South Australia's Osborne Shipyard to Built Warships and Submarines

    Australia's future nuclear-powered submarines may grab the headlines, but before we can build them, we first have to build the shipyard capable of constructing them.In this episode of Talking Tactics with Mel Pikos, we take a look at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia and the Albanese Government's latest $4.6 billion investment, bringing total funding for the precinct to more than $8.5 billion.We'll explore what's actually being built at Osborne, why this investment is so significant, and how it will transform Australia into a nation capable of building and sustaining nuclear-powered submarines for decades to come.We also examine:• What the new funding will pay for• The timeline for the Virginia-class and SSN-AUKUS submarines• Why Australian steel is now entering the US submarine supply chain• Western Australia's growing role in supporting Australia's future submarine fleet• Why industrial capability may be one of the most important legacies of AUKUSThe submarines may be the end product, but the real story is the industry being built behind them.What do you think? Is investing in Australia's defence industry just as important as buying the platforms themselves? Let us know in the comments.If you enjoyed this video, please like, subscribe and share it with someone interested in Australian defence, national security and strategic policy.00:00 A Huge Upgrade 01:07 The Osborne Naval Shipyard01:53 The $4.6 Billion Upgrade Announcement03:44 What's Being Built at Osborne05:05 Australian Steel and Other Announcements#AUKUS #Australia #Submarines #Defence #RoyalAustralianNavy #SSNAUKUS #VirginiaClass #SouthAustralia #Osborne #NationalSecurity---Like the 3D printed models in the background? They were provided by Spack.au and Talking Tactics viewers can get 5% off the Camouflage Models range by using the following link: https://shorturl.at/R0Rl4Discount will be applied at checkout after using this link and placing an order. ---Talking Tactics breaks down the policies, the numbers and the politics shaping Australian business, the economy and defence. Pro-growth, pro-aspiration, and I follow the evidence wherever it leads. Talking Tactics is presented by Mel Pikos, Managing Director of TACTIC. TACTIC is an end-to-end solution for all your commercial office space needs including Workplace Strategy & Design | Occupier Advisory | Fitout Delivery. To increase the productivity of your office whilst strategically minimising costs, visit www.tactic.au or send an email to mel@tactic.auFor business or sponsorship enquiries, please email matt@tactic.au ---Connect with us on our socials:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/talkingtacticswithmelpikoswww.facebook.com/talkingtacticswithmelpikosTactic Spaces on Facebook@mel_pikos on Twitter@melppikos on Instagram@melpikos on TikTok

    $30 Billion is Being Spent on South Australia's Osborne Shipyard to Built Warships and Submarines

  7. Jul 28

    How Australia Can Drill, Refine and Store Our Own Oil and Fix the Fuel Crisis

    Australia is spending hundreds of billions of dollars on submarines, missiles and warships. But what happens if we run out of fuel?Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has unveiled a vision to strengthen Australia's sovereign fuel industry by drilling, refining and storing more oil domestically. Supporters argue it would improve fuel security, create jobs and strengthen Australia's defence resilience. Critics say it risks locking Australia into fossil fuels and that the future lies in electrification and renewable energy.In this episode of Talking Tactics, we examine whether fuel security should be treated as critical defence infrastructure. We look at Australia's dependence on imported refined fuel, the proposal to develop projects like the Taroom Trough, the case for new oil refineries and strategic fuel reserves, and whether rebuilding Australia's fuel supply chain would genuinely improve national security.Because in modern warfare, victory isn't just about who has the best weapons. It's also about who can keep them running.00:00 Australia Is Running out of Fuel 01:37 The Fuel Front03:45 The Crisafuelli Oil Plan04:41 Drill, Baby, Drill06:20 Refine and Restore08:34 A Strategic Stockpile09:16 Will This Increase Australia's National Security? #fuelcrisis #ausdefence #oil ---Like the 3D printed models in the background? They were provided by Spack.au and Talking Tactics viewers can get 5% off the Camouflage Models range by using the following link: https://shorturl.at/R0Rl4Discount will be applied at checkout after using this link and placing an order. ---Talking Tactics breaks down the policies, the numbers and the politics shaping Australian business, the economy and defence. Pro-growth, pro-aspiration, and I follow the evidence wherever it leads. Talking Tactics is presented by Mel Pikos, Managing Director of TACTIC. TACTIC is an end-to-end solution for all your commercial office space needs including Workplace Strategy & Design | Occupier Advisory | Fitout Delivery. To increase the productivity of your office whilst strategically minimising costs, visit www.tactic.au or send an email to mel@tactic.auFor business or sponsorship enquiries, please email matt@tactic.au ---Connect with us on our socials:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/talkingtacticswithmelpikoswww.facebook.com/talkingtacticswithmelpikosTactic Spaces on Facebook@mel_pikos on Twitter@melppikos on Instagram@melpikos on TikTok

    How Australia Can Drill, Refine and Store Our Own Oil and Fix the Fuel Crisis

  8. Jul 20

    Are The Secondhand AUKUS Submarines A Bad Deal?

    The latest AUKUS announcement has raised a lot of questions, with some commentators claiming the agreement is beginning to unravel. In this video, I break down what's actually changed, why Australia is now set to receive three refurbished Virginia-class submarines, and whether this is really bad news for Australia's defence.I also explain why AUKUS is about much more than submarines. I take a look at the cutting-edge technologies being developed under Pillar II, including artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, quantum technology and cyber warfare, and discuss how these projects could transform Australia's military long before the first SSN-AUKUS submarine enters service.Finally, I tackle one of the biggest questions surrounding Australia's defence strategy: should Australia develop nuclear weapons? I explain why I don't think that's necessary, and why capabilities like B-21 bombers, Tomahawk missiles, long-range strike weapons and nuclear-powered submarines can provide a powerful deterrent without Australia becoming a nuclear weapons state.00:00 Are the AUKUS Subs Dead in the Water?02:10 The AUKUS Update04:39 More Than Just Submarines06:36 The Evolution of the Alliance09:22 To Nuke or Not To Nuke?If you enjoyed this video, please like, subscribe and leave a comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the future of AUKUS and Australia's defence strategy.#AUKUS #Australia #Defence #Geopolitics #Military #Submarines #VirginiaClass #SSNAUKUS #China #IndoPacific #NationalSecurity #TalkingTactics---Like the 3D printed models in the background? They were provided by Spack.au and Talking Tactics viewers can get 5% off the Camouflage Models range by using the following link: https://shorturl.at/R0Rl4Discount will be applied at checkout after using this link and placing an order. ---Talking Tactics breaks down the policies, the numbers and the politics shaping Australian business, the economy and defence. Pro-growth, pro-aspiration, and I follow the evidence wherever it leads. Talking Tactics is presented by Mel Pikos, Managing Director of TACTIC. TACTIC is an end-to-end solution for all your commercial office space needs including Workplace Strategy & Design | Occupier Advisory | Fitout Delivery. To increase the productivity of your office whilst strategically minimising costs, visit www.tactic.au or send an email to mel@tactic.auFor business or sponsorship enquiries, please email matt@tactic.au ---Connect with us on our socials:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/talkingtacticswithmelpikoswww.facebook.com/talkingtacticswithmelpikosTactic Spaces on Facebook@mel_pikos on Twitter@melppikos on Instagram@melpikos on TikTok

    Are The Secondhand AUKUS Submarines A Bad Deal?
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Talking Tactics breaks down the policies, the numbers and the politics shaping Australian business, the economy and defence. Pro-growth, pro-aspiration, and I follow the evidence wherever it leads. Talking Tactics is presented by Mel Pikos, Managing Director of TACTIC. TACTIC is an end-to-end solution for all your commercial office space needs including Workplace Strategy & Design | Occupier Advisory | Fitout Delivery. To increase the productivity of your office whilst strategically minimising costs, visit www.tactic.au or send an email to mel@tactic.au

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