Defence & Security Podcast Network

The AUKUS partnership represents one of the most ambitious defence industrial undertakings in modern history, and in this episode, host Steve Kuper is joined by Chris Waywell, Rob Sansbury and Robert Fogel of Stantec Australia to explore what it will really take to make it work.
While public attention has largely focused on the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines, our panel argues that the true measure of success lies deeper – within the complementary infrastructure and industrial ecosystems required to enable, sustain and secure these capabilities over decades.
For Australia, this is nothing short of a generational shift. Building a nuclear-ready enterprise demands far more than platforms. It requires significant investment in shipyards, robust regulatory and safety frameworks, and, critically, a highly skilled workforce. From engineers and nuclear specialists to project managers and trades, the human element will ultimately define the pace, resilience and credibility of delivery.
The discussion also turns to the broader AUKUS partnership, with the United Kingdom and the United States needing to expand and adapt their own industrial bases to support a truly trilateral model. Increasing production capacity, harmonising standards and streamlining technology transfer will be essential, as interoperability evolves from an operational concept into an industrial necessity.
Layered over this is the challenge of sovereign resilience. Secure, diversified supply chains and deeper collaboration across industry, academia and allied partners will be key to building enduring capability.
This is a long-term endeavour. As the panel highlights, sustained commitment across political and economic cycles will be vital if AUKUS is to fulfil its potential – catalysing advanced manufacturing, boosting national productivity and underpinning a new era of strategic industry.
In this episode, we examine how building the backbone of AUKUS will ultimately determine whether the partnership delivers on its promise.
Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect Spotlight team

Australia has long prided itself on being the "Lucky Country", celebrating a culture of "she'll be right" now that a national culture of apathy is biting at home as the world continues to burn.
As the war in the Middle East continues to rage by the day, Australia and Australians are beginning to feel the very real ramifications in our daily lives.
All of this comes as Australia's political leaders and policymakers continue to point fingers at one another for the respective failures over the past three decades that have all combined to leave Australia dangerously exposed to the shocks of the new multipolar world.
But these aren't the only challenges that are serving to leave Australia in a volatile, unpredictable position, as social cohesion, industrial and economic resilience and demographics combine to create a powder keg for both the public and its policymakers.
Host Steve Kuper is joined by Ben Dullroy of Beaten Zone Venture Partners and Bravo Delta Advisory as they break down the combination of global and domestic factors shaping the nation's resilience, stability and security.
This conversation comes at a time when the public and private debate continues about who has failed the nation, were the ultimate costs of neoliberal hyperglobalisation worth it and can we pivot quickly enough to secure our economic, political and strategic interests?
Enjoy the podcast,
The Contested Ground team

Cyber security, AI ethics, and geopolitical hacking collide in a packed week of headlines – and in this episode of Cyber Uncut, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft break down what actually matters.
The pressure is mounting on AI firms as Australian regulators eye hefty fines for platforms deemed unsafe for children – is this a fight the Aussie government can win, or will the tech bros find a way to dodge their responsibilities once again? Controversy over US food delivery giant DoorDash tapping workers to help train its AI models is also a hot topic and, once again, Hollingworth and Croft unpack the situation and possible ramifications.
From there, the focus shifts to cyber crime: alleged breaches at anime streaming service Crunchyroll and automotive giant Mazda, Lockheed Martin pushing back on claims that F-35 data was compromised by a pro-Iranian hacker, and an Australian man facing significant jail time over a darknet child abuse site.
Rounding things out, the pair examine rising tensions in the cyber domain, with Iran-linked threat actor Handala drawing the attention of FBI director Kash Patel, before offering a preview of what to expect at next month's Australian Cyber Summit.
Enjoy,
The Cyber Uncut team

In this special episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Robert Dougherty leads an expert panel marking the 125th anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army, reflecting on their evolution since Federation in 1901.
The panel features defence experts, including former Royal Australian Navy officer Jennifer Parker, Vice Admiral (Ret'd) Peter Jones, and UNSW Canberra senior lecturer in history and maritime strategy, Dr Richard Dunley.
The panel explores how Australia's military institutions have developed across doctrine, strategy, culture and identity – from their origins as colonial forces to their current role within complex alliance structures, the discussion highlights both continuity and transformation across more than a century of service.
The conversation examines key doctrinal shifts, including the transition from British to United States alignment as well as enduring strategic themes such as maritime dependence and coalition warfare.
The panel also reflects on how historical assumptions such as the reliance on a "great and powerful friend" or geographic isolation continue to shape modern defence thinking.
Beyond strategy, the episode explores how leadership, workforce expectations and military culture have evolved, alongside the changing relationship between the Australian public and its armed forces.
Looking ahead, the panel considers the challenges of preparing for future conflict amid uncertainty, technological change and shifting global power dynamics.
These topics include engaging discussion across the following:
Key doctrinal shifts that shaped the modern Australian Army and Royal Australian Navy.
The transition from British influence to close operational alignment with the United States.
Enduring strategic themes, including maritime security and reliance on allies.
The evolution of joint operations and the increasing integration of the Australian Defence Force.
The balance between continuity and change in military roles and strategic outlook.
The impact of historical assumptions on current defence policy and planning.
Changes in leadership, workforce diversity and military culture over time.
The relationship between the Australian public and its armed forces.
The challenges of preparing for high-intensity conflict in an uncertain global environment.
The future role of the ADF amid technological change, alliance dynamics and regional instability.
Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Contested Ground Podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant, Steve Kuper and Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson unpack the concept of sovereign industrial capability and its growing importance amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The trio explore how the idea of sovereignty has evolved from a defence-specific concept into a broader national priority, particularly as global supply chains face disruption and Australia confronts its structural dependencies.
They discuss the lack of a clear, shared definition of sovereign capability, and how misunderstandings persist even within defence and national security circles.
The conversation highlights the need for Australia to identify and secure critical capabilities domestically, ranging from fuel and logistics to data and cyber resilience.
The episode also reflects on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and questions whether Australia has made meaningful progress in strengthening self-reliance, or if it remains vulnerable to external shocks.
With rising geopolitical tensions and shifting global dynamics, the speakers consider whether the era of globalisation is reaching its limits.
These topics include engaging discussion across:
The meaning (and ambiguity) of sovereign industrial capability in modern Australia.
Lessons from COVID-19 and ongoing reliance on fragile global supply chains.
The impact of geopolitical conflict on fuel security, logistics and economic stability.
The challenge of building true national resilience versus shifting dependence.
The role of political leadership and decision making in shaping sovereign capability.
The effects of political fragmentation and polarisation on national security planning.
Whether globalisation has reached its limits and the rise of nationalism.
The practical components of sovereignty, including fuel, munitions, cyber resilience and industrial capacity.
Enjoy the podcast,
The Contested Ground team