Defence & Security Podcast Network

We are consistently reminded that Australia is a maritime trading nation and, as such, is exposed to all the vulnerabilities. So why haven't we prepared accordingly?
As the ceasefire in the Middle East collapses and both sides begin to once again ramp up their efforts to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz and the globally sensitive waterway, Australia is reminded of its inherent vulnerability to global maritime shocks.
To date, Australia's response to these challenges has been to default to the organs and institutions established by the post-World War II order, seeking arbitration, mediation and resolution, however, those mechanisms no longer suffice.
In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by UNSW's Professor Douglas Guilfoyle and Associate Professor Daniel Prior, authors of the World in Transition report detailing the challenges which face Australia and now thrown into public focus as a result of the conflict in the Middle East.
The trio deep dive into the legal, economic and political challenges that have emerged as a result of the conflict in the Middle East and Australia's mounting issues that will only continue to compound in the coming months.
They also discuss the ramifications of post-Cold War globalisation and the creation and vulnerability of the "just in time" supply chain ecosystems and what can be done to minimise our exposure to these challenges.
Finally, they also interrogate the phenomena of "friendshoring" and "reshoring" as solutions to bringing supply chains closer to home as a means of securing national interests and what models can be leveraged to change Australia's self-inflicted vulnerability.
Enjoy the podcast,
The Contested Ground team

Many organisations struggle with the changing nature of cyber security compliance and regulations – but it can be a powerful force for positive change, according to the head of advisory and assurance at Fujitsu, Laura O'Neill.

Join Cyber Daily's deputy editor, David Hollingworth, and Fujitsu's Laura O'Neill as they take an insightful look at the world of compliance and regulations in the age of AI adoption at scale and an expanding threat landscape.
In this essential podcast, the pair analyse the shift from "compliance" to "continuous cyber accountability" before moving onto critical infrastructure and its modern definition, the challenges of securing ever more complex supply chains and how, at the end of the day, it's all about keeping businesses and their processes ready to face the inevitable without fear.
O'Neill will be a guest at this month's Australian Cyber Summit, along with range of other exceptional speakers and panellists, so get your tickets now!

How is drone racing shaping the future of military capability? And can Australia harness these skills to strengthen its uncrewed systems and workforce?

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Wing Commander Keirin Joyce, Australian Defence Force Drone Racing Association president and deputy director of disruptive experimentation in the Royal Australian Air Force, to discuss the recent Military International Drone Racing Tournament held in Sydney, where the ADF secured its sixth consecutive team victory amid growing global competition.
WGCDR Joyce holds a bachelor of aeronautical engineering (honours) from the Australian Defence Force Academy and has spent more than two decades in support of the ADF Uncrewed Aerial Systems capability, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.
He shares experiences from his most recent speaking engagement at the Deakin Defence Conference in Melbourne and his PhD paper: Barriers to large logistics drones.
The podcast conversation includes the following topics:
How the tournament operates across racing and tactical phases, including payload delivery and aerial interception challenges designed to replicate real-world combat scenarios.
Strong crossover between drone racing and military capability.
Drone racing and ADF drone capability's role in recruitment, STEM engagement and developing a future-ready workforce.
Finally, the discussion looks at evolving drone warfare trends, future ADF integration and opportunities to expand drone racing across services, cadets and veterans.
Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

Cyber security leadership matters now more than ever, and the role of CISO is the most important piece of the puzzle. Join Cyber Daily's David Hollingworth and PEXA's cyber lead, Graham Fairley, to discover how security can become a business enabler, not an afterthought.
With the Australian Cyber Summit 2026 coming up later this month, David Hollingworth, deputy editor of Cyber Daily, is joined by the CISO of property settlement platform PEXA to deep dive into how the role of CISO can be a key part of any business's growth story.
From enabling business growth via secure business practices, to treating cyber security as a whole-of-business necessity rather than just something that's "nice to have" – all while navigating the advancement of AI – this essential discussion will expand your idea of what a CISO can be.
Don't forget – tickets are now on sale for the Australian Cyber Summit, coming up on 30 April in Sydney. BUY YOURS NOW!

Can Australia balance the cost of expanding its drone-based attack and defence capabilities on a shoestring budget? Industry is rightly worried about possible cost cuts.

In an editorial discussion for this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Stephen Kuper, Robert Dougherty and Bethany Alvaro take a run at a burgeoning week of news across Australia's defence landscape and how international conflict in the Middle East is rippling outwards to pressure fuel supplies Down Under.
The team also examines the recent promotion of Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO RAN to become the next chief of the Defence Force and the appointment of Lieutenant General Susan Coyle AM CSC DSM as the next chief of the Australian Army, the first woman to hold the position.
The conversation then explores the newly signed Major Defense Cooperation Partnership agreement and joint special forces training between hardline governments in the US and Indonesia.
Turning to defence industry, the panel puts a speculative spotlight on dreaded Defence budget cuts and reallocations under the release of the new National Defence Strategy.
Finally, the team tackles new ship manufacturing updates in Sydney around the Royal Australian Navy's Hunter Class frigate program.
Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team