In this episode, Grant McHerron and Ewen Levick talk with Mark Stevens, Managing Partner of Periscope Capital Partners and Managing Director of Arican, about Periscope and private capital for Defence industry.

We kick off the discussion by reviewing the difficulties the industry faces when trying to access private capital, and Mark gives us an overview of the goals of Periscope Capital Partners to raise and deploy $1 billion in the next decade. With this context in mind, we get a detailed breakdown of how they differ from other funds, their upcoming launch, and the factors that contribute to the selection of small to medium enterprises (SME’s) for their investments. The discussion moves onto how investors have been deterred from Defence due to the misinterpretation of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) issues, and their lack of knowledge about the industry, as well as how the government has reacted to their private equity initiatives.

We wrap up by breaking down how the investment model must be adjusted for Defence, with considerations on relationships with Government, fast tracking acquisitions, and building an investment ecosystem for the industry.

LINKS:

Periscope Capital Partners:

www.periscopecapitalpartners.com.au/

[email protected]

------------------

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 [email protected] 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 - © 2024

In this episode, Grant McHerron and Ewen Levick talk with Michael Shoebridge, Founder and Director of Strategic Analysis Australia, about the government’s recently released response to the Surface Fleet Review and other topics.

We start off with Michael’s first impressions on the Surface Fleet Review, with concerns surrounding its lack of funding, outdated focus on going big, and delays in delivery. We get further insights into how Australian Defence’s sovereign risk has increased due to many contracts for major platforms not being honoured. The discussion also explores how the ‘small, smart, and many’ has outweighed the ‘large, strong, and few’, with examples drawn from the conflict from Ukraine. We also assess the challenges with American supplied missiles and the use of Large Optionally Crewed Surface Vessels (LOSVs, aka "missile trailers") to supplement those on the destroyers and frigates. 

Throughout this discussion, we also explore the complacency of Defence during non-war periods, the importance of diversity in the weapons portfolio, and how weapons choices can restrict frigate design. We wrap up by assessing how buying ready made ships could result in successful and prompt delivery. 

LINKS:

Plans revealed for Australia's future surface fleet:

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/plans-revealed-for-australia-s-future-surface-fleet

Strategic Analysis Australia:

strategicanalysis.org/

------------------

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 [email protected] 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 - © 2024

In this episode, Grant McHerron talks with Phil Guy, Managing Director of Alkath Group, and David Devine, General Manager of Mellori Solutions, about Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations, or EMSO.

We get an overview of how the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum is used to transmit data for communication and navigations across multiple domains. We also get an insight into the possibility for the unification for the EM spectrum in the air, land, cyber, and space domains. The discussion provides an update on the ADF’s progress in adopting EMSO, the challenges that are being experienced in Ukraine, and the difficulties of simulating EMSO for training in the field. 

We further explore the increased use of low cost EMSO devices such as drones and jammers before discussing the areas that the ADF needs to focus on to ensure they can conduct EMSO with effectively trained staff and effective systems to maintain dominance on the battlefield.

LINKS:

Navigating the Electromagnetic Storm: alkath.group/navigating-the-electromagnetic-storm-article-by-phil-guy

Understanding the Dark Arts: www.australiandefence.com.au/defence/c4i-ew/understanding-the-dark-arts

Alkath Group: alkath.group 

Mellori Solutions: mellori.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 [email protected] 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 - © 2024

During Indo Pacific 2023, Grant McHerron talked with George McGuire, CEO of Sentinel Boats. We get an update following their recent delivery of their Sentinels to the NZ Navy equipped with a robust recyclable HDPE hull, which is highly durable, capable, and adaptable in emergency, industrial, and military environments. The discussion also explores their partnership with L3Harris to deploy autonomous capabilities on the Sentinel, which can provide scalability, surveillance, and sustainment.

Our second interview for this episode is with James Cowles, senior business development manager for L3Harris Autonomous Surface Vessels. We discuss the autonomous vessels being demonstrated at Indo Pacific 2023, explore their work with the UK Royal Navy to deploy ISR and mine hunting capabilities, and gain an insight into the levels of automation, navigation and payloads currently in use internationally.

LINKS:

Sentinel Boats and L3Harris partner on autonomous capability

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/sentinel-boats-and-l3harris-partner-on-autonomous-capability

Royal New Zealand Navy LMC on display at Indo Pacific

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/royal-new-zealand-navy-lmc-on-display-at-indo-pacific

NZ Navy launches new Sentinel boats

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/nz-navy-launches-new-sentinel-boats 

Indo-Pacific 23 - ADM Updates

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/indo-pacific-2023-day-1-updates

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/indo-pac-23-day-2-updates

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/indo-pac-23-day-3-updates

------------------

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 [email protected] 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 - © 2023

During Indo Pacific 2023, Grant McHerron was able to meet with David Goodrich OAM, Executive Chairman & Chief Executive at Anduril Australia & Asia Pacific, and Dr Shane Arnott, Senior Vice President Engineering at Anduril Industries. We discuss their Ghost Shark program that is utilising a number of local suppliers to deliver Australian developed autonomous undersea vehicles, and their focus on autonomous systems that complement rather than replace humans in Defence.

Our second interview is with Liam Catterson, business development manager at Lockheed Martin Australia, about the Aegis system. We discuss the development of the system, its integration into numerous operational environments, and its ability to link to vertical launching systems on land as well as sea. We wrap up by getting an insight into the future roadmap for Aegis within the ADF, with comparisons to the approach being taken by the US.

LINKS:

Ghost Shark spotlights sovereign capability

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/ghost-shark-spotlights-sovereign-capability 

Lockheed Martin completes Aegis design agent contract

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/lockheed-martin-completes-aegis-design-agent-contract 

Lockheed Martin says Patriot missile could 'replace anything and everything'

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/lockheed-martin-says-patriot-missile-could-replace-anything-and-everything 

Indo-Pacific 23 - ADM Updates

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/indo-pacific-2023-day-1-updates

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/indo-pac-23-day-2-updates

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/indo-pac-23-day-3-updates

------------------

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 [email protected] 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 - © 2023

During Indo Pacific 2023, Grant McHerron met with Fabian Knechtl, Managing Director of Schiebel Pacific, to discuss the impacts of the current government's delays to Project Sea 129 Phase 5 Block 1, and Schiebel Pacific's civilian work with their Camcopter system. We discuss how Schiebel is responding to the delay of Phase 5, their work with other navies in the Pacific, and the benefits that their autonomous Camcopter offers emergency services.

Our second interview for this episode is with Amanda Holt, CEO of SYPAQ, about their Corvo Precision Payload Delivery System successes, and the impacts to the Australian defence industry due to the government delaying important decisions. We discuss their progress following the launch of their flat pack cardboard drones, the response from civilians and Defence, and how diversification has secured SYPAQ's longevity following the DSR. We also review how the Defence industry needs to adjust their procurement and delivery styles to reduce risk and cost concerns.

LINKS:

Indo-Pacific 23 - ADM Updates

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/indo-pacific-2023-day-1-updates

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/indo-pac-23-day-2-updates

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/indo-pac-23-day-3-updates

------------------

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 [email protected] 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 - © 2023

During Indo Pacific 2023, Grant McHerron met with Chris Muskett, Maritime Engineering Director at BAE Systems, regarding the modified Hunter class frigate design they unveiled at the event, featuring 96 Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells instead of the current design’s 32. Chris gives us an insight into their prioritisation of missiles and long range strike, whilst maintaining their foundational Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capabilities. We discuss the technicalities of designing and implementing their concept design, and we explore Chris’s history and experiences as a ship builder.

The second interview is with Pablo Menendez, Chief Strategy Implementation Officer at Navantia Australia, about the Tasman Class Corvette they have offered to the Australian Government while at the show. Pablo gives us an overview of the role that the Corvette plays, the changes made to the base model to upgrade its systems, and the reduced resourcing it requires. We also discuss its integration into Australian systems, the benefits offered to Navy, and Navantia’s strong representation within the current fleet. We wrap up by exploring Australia’s capability to build and support the vessel nationally, and the assurances provided by Navantia Australia.

LINKS:

BAE Systems unveils upgunned Hunter proposal

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/bae-unveils-upgunned-hunter-proposal

Austal, Civmec, Navantia Australia partner to offer corvettes for RAN

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/austal-civmec-navantia-australia-partner-to-offer-corvettes-for-ran

Indo-Pacific 23 - ADM Updates

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/indo-pacific-2023-day-1-updates

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/indo-pac-23-day-2-updates

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/indo-pac-23-day-3-updates

-----------------

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 [email protected] 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 - © 2023

In this episode, Grant McHerron and Ewen Levick talk with Mark Stevens, founder of Arican Advisory Capital, regarding the struggles faced by Defence industry from on-going governmental delays in decisions and funding.

Mark gives us his views on the widespread disruption to providers caused by lack of funding, growing gaps in capability, and delays in procurement decisions. We discuss concerns from the US following the AUKUS agreement, and Australia’s struggle to catch up with the strategic environment.

We also explore Australia’s engagements with international powers with the need to deter China, whilst strengthening ties with Asian powers, note the challenges likely to be faced by the Service Chiefs and Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) at the moment, and highlight the role that the Defence Industry plays in supporting those stakeholders.

LINKS:

Arican Advisory Capital

www.arican.com.au/

Indo-Pac 23 - ADM Updates

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/indo-pacific-2023-day-1-updates

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/indo-pac-23-day-2-updates

www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/indo-pac-23-day-3-updates 

------------------

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 [email protected] 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 - © 2023

In this episode, Grant McHerron catches up with Ewen Levick, Publisher of ADM, and Nigel Pittaway, Editor of ADM, to discuss what they've seen at the Indo Pacific 2023 event and the general mood they're getting from exhibitors as delays in decisions and funding from government are causing issues for Primes and SMEs alike.

LINKS:

Indo Pacific 2023 Event: www.indopacificexpo.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 [email protected] 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 - © 2023

In this episode, Grant McHerron was at the Indo Pacific 2023 event opening's ministerial press conference, recording the full Q&A with the Acting Prime Minister & Minister for Defence, the Honorable Richard Marles MP, and the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark D. Hammond. This includes questions from the reporters present on topics such as China's lack of presence at the event, F-35s on the LHDs, recruitment, AUKUS, submarines, nuclear industry and funding the Defence budget.

LINKS:

Indo Pacific 2023 Event: www.indopacificexpo.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 [email protected] 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 - © 2023

In this episode, Grant McHerron talks with Rob Slaven, Defence Business Development Director at Serco Asia-Pacific, and Ryan Maatta, Marine Engineering Manager at Serco North America, about their involvement with DARPA's No Mariners Required Ship (NOMARS) program.

We get an insight into how the NOMARS program is adapting available off the shelf technologies to build an uncrewed vessel that can stay at sea for a year, with autonomous navigation and refuelling. The discussion explores the balance between automation and human intervention, the collaboration between Serco and DARPA, and the scope for the next phase's construction of the system. We get an understanding of the logistics of the vessel, maintenance redundancies, decreased cost of operations, and its potential to operate with the Australian Navy. 

We wrap up by discussing how Serco are working with other companies and technologies to deliver the vessel, and how the design of the NOMARS varies from typical crewed vessels.

LINKS:

Serco's NOMARS team is reshaping the future of unmanned maritime operations:

www.serco.com/na/media-and-news/2022/sercos-nomars-team-is-reshaping-the-future-of-unmanned-maritime-operations

------------------

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 [email protected] 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

Editor: Chris Visscher

Australian Defence Magazine - © 2023