Defence Innovation Podcast

• Drohnen made in Germany: Florian Seibel über Quantum Systems, Krieg und Gründerwahnsinn

  KeywordsDrohnen, Verteidigung, Ukraine, Multi Domain, Counter UAS, Bundeswehr, Leadership, Venture Capital, Europa, Automatisierung, InnovationSummaryJonas Singer spricht mit Florian Seibel, Gründer und Co-CEO von Quantum Systems. Florian erklärt den Weg vom kleinen, bootstrappten Agrardrohnenprojekt zu einem der zentralen Verteidigungsunternehmen Europas. Er beschreibt die schwierigen Anfangsjahre ohne Venture Capital, die gescheiterte Agrarstrategie, den technologischen Vorteil durch Smartphone Komponenten und den frühen Einstieg in Defence, lange bevor die Ukraine Invasion die Nachfrage explodieren liess. Die beiden sprechen über Führung, Intuition, Bundeswehrprägung und den Aufbau eines Hochleistungsteams. Florian gibt tiefe Einblicke in Marktveränderungen, Konkurrenz, Visionen für Multi Domain und Counter UAS und die Notwendigkeit politischer und industrieller Reformen in Deutschland. Am Ende zeigt er klar, welche Zukunft Quantum Systems und Europa im Bereich unbemannte Systeme anstreben.TakeawaysQuantum entstand ohne Businessplan und entwickelte sich dennoch zu einem führenden Drohnenanbieter.Die Agraridee scheiterte an Marktbarrieren und konservativen Strukturen.Günstige Massenmarkt Elektronik ermöglichte es, klassische Rüstungsanbieter zu überholen.Der frühe Defence Fokus vor 2022 war der zentrale Wettbewerbsvorteil.Florians Bundeswehrhintergrund prägt Kultur, Klarheit und Leistungsanspruch.Intuition und schnelle Entscheidungen sind für Hardware und Defence essenziell.Rückschläge wie die Propellerpanne in Indien haben das Unternehmen gestärkt.Viele Defence Hardware Gründungen kommen heute zu spät. Konsolidierung ist wahrscheinlich.Quantum investiert in Multi Domain, Counter UAS und Mosaic als Softwarekern.Deutschland braucht mehr Geschwindigkeit, Vision und Gruendermut.Chapters00:00 Begrüssung und Vorstellung00:57 Bootstrapping und erste Jahre02:58 Vision automatisierter Agrardrohnen05:05 Scheitern im Agrarmarkt07:12 Pivot und Einstieg in Defence09:10 Bundeswehrprägung und Führung12:59 Forschung und Gründungsteam15:53 Bauchentscheidungen und Rollenwandel19:11 Vom Allrounder zum CEO Team20:32 Was Florian heute antreibt24:02 Grosser technischer Rueckschlag26:23 Umgang mit Druck und Erfolgen27:37 Gründungswelle in Defence29:48 Markt und Konsolidierung31:34 Konkurrenz und Positionierung33:06 Roadmap: Multi Domain und Counter UAS35:03 Mosaic als Kernsystem36:59 Offene Kommunikation37:46 Beschaffungsprobleme und Geschwindigkeit39:28 Mindset und politische Fragen41:05 Zukunft der Industrie44:43 Finanzierung und Expansion46:25 Internationale Aufstellung48:10 Schlussbotschaft

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• Software defined defence: How STARK is shaping multi-domain operations - With Philip Lockwood

  Keywordstechnology, defense, military, AI, supply chain, procurement, innovation, Stark, warfareSummaryIn this conversation, Jonas Singer and Philip Lockwood discuss the challenges and innovations in the defense technology sector, particularly focusing on the role of AI, autonomous systems, and the importance of effective supply chains. They reflect on personal experiences, the evolution of military strategies, and the need for adaptive procurement processes to meet the demands of modern warfare. The discussion also touches on the significance of authentic conversations in podcasting and the impact of family dynamics on personal growth.TakeawaysAuthentic conversations are crucial for meaningful dialogue.Navigating corporate demands can complicate podcasting.Family dynamics influence personal perspectives on aging.Technology is reshaping the future of defense.Phil Lockwood's diverse career path highlights adaptability.AI and autonomy are key to future military strategies.Supply chain resilience is essential for defense capabilities.Procurement processes must evolve with technological advancements.Mosaic warfare emphasizes decentralized decision-making.Drones as a service will redefine military operations.Chapters00:00 The Evolution of Perspectives on Authority00:21 Phil Lockwood: A Multifaceted Background02:58 The Intersection of Technology and Warfare05:52 The Importance of Operational Experience in Policy08:27 The Role of Music in Life11:01 Emerging Technologies in Defense13:57 Mosaic Warfare: A New Paradigm16:50 Cognitive Overload in Modern Warfare21:56 Introduction to Stark and Its Mission27:01 Diverse Product Development in Defense32:54 AI-Enabled Systems and Their Impact38:15 The Interplay of Software and Hardware41:41 Supply Chain Challenges in Defense47:15 Future Trends in Defense Technology

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• Smart Affordable Mass trifft Ramp Up 4.0: Wenn Die Zivilindustrie Verteidigung liefert - Mit Manfred Hader

  SummaryIn this conversation, Jonas Singer and Manfred Hader from Roland Berger discuss the evolving landscape of defense and aerospace consulting, focusing on the geopolitical shifts affecting Germany and Europe. They explore the current state of European defense capabilities, the importance of logistics and maintenance, and the need for technological advancements. The discussion also highlights the role of civilian companies in defense, procurement challenges, and the necessity for a collaborative innovation ecosystem. Manfred emphasizes the urgency for a mindset shift within the defense industry to adapt to modern threats and the importance of social resilience.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Defense and Space Consulting02:46 Geopolitical Shifts and Mindset Changes in Germany05:33 Assessing Europe's Defense Position08:40 The Three Phases of Defense Capability11:16 Logistics and Maintenance Challenges14:09 Filling the Gaps in Defense Equipment17:03 Innovation in Defense Technology18:08 The Role of Startups and Non-Traditional Players20:26 Building an Innovation Ecosystem23:09 The Future of Defense Production and Deterrence30:00 Capacity Expansion in Defense Systems34:34 Smart Affordable Mass Concept38:14 The Role of Civil Companies in Defense42:15 Procurement Challenges and Innovations50:28 Future Trends in Defense Industry

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• Drone Wall: Lessons from Ukraine and the Limits of Europe’s Air Defence - With Marc C. Lange

  Links to in the episode mentioned topicsMovie about the Bradley: https://youtu.be/wNpGBTU_jt4?si=AfJGZPIYvVeixSD8Marc C. Lange on Substack: https://substack.com/@techwarsSummaryIn this conversation, Jonas Singer and Marc C Lange delve into the complexities of drone warfare, particularly focusing on the current situation in Ukraine. They discuss the challenges posed by drone incursions, the effectiveness of air defense systems, and the role of interceptor drones. The conversation also explores the concept of autonomy in drones, the importance of layered defense strategies, and the future of military technology in the context of modern warfare. In this conversation, Jonas Singer and Marc C Lange delve into the complexities of modern warfare, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. They discuss the rapid evolution of defense technology, the challenges of procurement and supply chains, and the importance of learning from real-world experiences. The dialogue emphasizes the need for agile development, the involvement of warfighters in the innovation process, and the necessity of a whole-of-society approach to national defense. Ultimately, they advocate for iterative development under pressure as a means to effectively respond to emerging threats.TakeawaysThe Cold War was a significant period for deterrence, but current threats have evolved.Ukraine faces overwhelming drone threats, necessitating innovative air defense strategies.Interceptor drones are a promising but misunderstood solution to drone threats.Autonomy in drones is not yet a reliable solution for air defense.Layered defense strategies are crucial for effective air defense against drones.The complexity of modern warfare requires a multifaceted approach to defense.Ukraine's military is maximizing limited resources to counter drone incursions.The cost exchange ratio is vital in determining the effectiveness of defense measures.Future military technology must adapt to the realities of drone warfare. The complexity of modern warfare requires innovative solutions.Defense technology is evolving rapidly, outpacing traditional manufacturers.Supply chain stability is critical for effective defense systems.Agile procurement processes are necessary to meet urgent military needs.Learning from Ukraine's experience can inform European defense strategies.Involving warfighters in the development process is essential.Kinetic development emphasizes real-time adaptation in combat situations.Over-specification in defense procurement can lead to inefficiencies.A whole-of-society approach is vital for national defense.Iterative development under pressure can lead to effective solutions.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Drone Warfare: Dream or Reality?02:13 Marc C Lange: Insights on Unmanned Systems and Defense05:14 The Reality of Drone Threats in Ukraine07:57 Challenges of Establishing a Drone Wall08:38 Ukraine's Air Defense Strategies11:28 The Role of Interceptor Drones in Defense14:36 Understanding the Complexity of Drone Interception17:07 Debunking Autonomy in Drone Warfare20:09 The Future of Autonomous Systems in Defense32:12 The Complexity of Unmanaged Air Defense35:45 Challenges of Drone Autonomy42:23 Understanding Layered Defense Systems53:06 The Role of Technology in Modern Warfare56:23 Procurement Challenges in Defense Technology01:08:36 The Importance of Timelines and Budget in Defense Procurement01:10:11 Lessons from the Commercial Space Industry01:12:30 Proliferated Systems and Resilience in Defense01:14:37 Learning from Ukraine: Top Solutions Needed01:14:48 Kinetic Development: Adapting Under Fire01:20:27 Involving Warfighters in the Development Process01:23:37 Learning from Ukraine: The Whole of Society Approach01:27:53 The Need for Innovative Solutions Beyond Ukrainian Models01:31:53 Challenges in the Defense Startup Ecosystem01:35:30 Rolling Up Our Sleeves: The Call to Action

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• Abhängigkeit durch Import, Souveränität durch Produktion: TDW und die Rückkehr der Munitionswirtschaft - Mit Andreas Seitz

  ZusammenfassungIn diesem Gespräch spricht Andreas Seitz, Managing Director bei TDW, einer MBDA Firma, über die sich wandelnde Landschaft der Verteidigungsindustrie, insbesondere im Lichte der jüngsten geopolitischen Ereignisse. Er gibt Einblicke in seinen Karriereweg, die Herausforderungen der Branche und die Bedeutung von Produktionskapazität und Innovation. Seitz betont die Notwendigkeit der Zusammenarbeit mit Startups sowie das Verständnis für die Grenzen der Lieferketten. Das Gespräch beleuchtet außerdem den Einfluss der elektronischen Kriegsführung und die Notwendigkeit strategischer Planung im Verteidigungssektor. Abschließend ruft Seitz zu Optimismus und öffentlicher Unterstützung für die Verteidigungsindustrie auf.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Conversation00:49 Andreas Seitz's Background and Career Path02:09 Shifts in the Defense Industry Post-202204:22 Misunderstandings in Military Operations05:59 TDW's Role in the Defense Supply Chain08:13 Emerging Technologies and Market Segments10:50 Innovation and Collaboration with Startups13:06 Production Challenges in the Defense Sector15:56 Deterrence Through Production Capacity17:50 Understanding Supply Chain Limitations19:19 The Impact of Electronic Warfare22:08 The Need for Strategic Planning in Defense25:01 The Role of European Cooperation in Defense27:51 Future of the Defense Industry30:43 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

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