Defence & Security Podcast Network

NIOA Group is expanding its role in Australia's munitions manufacturing sector amid growing global demand, supply chain constraints and the need to strengthen domestic defence industrial capability.
Speaking with Defence Connect news editor Robert Dougherty at Land Forces 2026, NIOA Group CEO Robert Nioa discusses the company's growing role as a prime contractor, its partnerships with the Australian government and international industry, and efforts to expand domestic production of artillery ammunition, explosives and other munitions.
The conversation also explores global ammunition shortages, the strategic and economic benefits of sovereign manufacturing, proximity-fused warheads for counter-drone systems, and the challenges of establishing a sustainable Australian munitions industrial base.
Nioa also shares his views on future small arms requirements for the Australian Defence Force and the potential timeline for replacing the F88 Austeyr service rifle.
Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

Electro Optic Systems is showcasing a range of counter-uncrewed aerial systems technology and a new EOS Interceptor at Land Forces 2026 in Perth.
Speaking with Defence Connect, EOS executive vice president Lee Kormany discusses several of the company's latest announcements, counter-drone treads internationally, domestic manufacturing and the increasing global shortages in proximity fuse ammunition used against drones.
The conversation also explores EOS' focus on remote weapon systems and how the company continues to expand its presence across Australia and international markets.
Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

Information has always shaped power and influence – but in the age of artificial intelligence, the speed, scale and sophistication with which narratives can be created and deployed has changed dramatically.
In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, Phil Tarrant and Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson explore how the tradecraft of information warfare is increasingly intersecting with the commercial world, and why influence, narrative and information advantages are becoming critical strategic capabilities for modern businesses.
They unpack the parallels – and important differences – between military information operations and commercial competition, from shaping perceptions and gaining decision superiority to defending against misinformation and responding to crises at speed.
With AI now enabling highly targeted content to be created in hours rather than weeks, Tarrant and Thompson examine what this means for business leaders, why communications can no longer be left solely to marketing teams, and why organisations need the people, systems and strategy to compete in an information environment moving faster than ever before.

SIG Sauer's newly unveiled P385 pistol makes its international debut at Land Forces 2026 in Perth, with Australian defence company Aquaterro showcasing the new weapon alongside the M8 carbine.

Speaking with Defence Connect, Aquaterro founder and managing director Graeme Bulte discusses the P385's capabilities, its compatibility with the existing P320 magazine and what the new pistol could mean for Australian defence and law enforcement users.
The conversation also explores Australia's growing SIG Sauer ecosystem, including the Australian Defence Force's F9 P320 sidearm and Aquaterro's recently signed Defence contract covering the supply, support and sustainment of SIG technologies.
Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect Team

How are global electronics shortages, AI-driven demand and counterfeit components reshaping Australia's defence supply chain

Speaking with Defence Connect Spotlight news editor Robert Dougherty, Astute Group marketing director Mark Shanley, IntelliDesign head of business development Frank Harrington and Moog Australia director of industry development Neil Fitzpatrick discuss the challenges facing defence manufacturers as component shortages, price volatility and extended lead times continue to disrupt critical programs.
The panel examines how AI-fuelled demand for high-bandwidth memory and other semiconductor components is placing unprecedented pressure on global supply chains, driving higher prices and longer procurement timelines.
The conversation explores the growing threat of counterfeit electronic components entering defence supply chains, highlighting the importance of rigorous testing, traceability, quality assurance and international standards to protect mission-critical systems.
The guests also discuss how collaboration between primes, SMEs and trusted distribution partners can reduce supply chain risk while maintaining capability.
Looking ahead, Shanley, Harrington and Fitzpatrick discuss strengthening Australia's sovereign defence industry through greater supply chain resilience, improved counterfeit awareness, export readiness and closer alignment with international defence procurement standards to support AUKUS and future global defence opportunities.
Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect Spotlight team