Defence & Security Podcast Network

How do you build an inclusive, adaptable and capable Australian Defence Force through leadership, lifelong learning and the experiences that shape military careers?
Royal Australian Navy Commander Melanie Lennard shares her journey from studying sports science at university to a 17-year career in the Royal Australian Navy, including operational deployments to South Sudan and the leadership lessons that have shaped her professional development.
In this episode of The Progress Report, former news editor Steve Kuper sits down with CMDR Lennard to discuss her experiences as a female naval officer and how the Navy has evolved to create greater opportunities for women across the ADF.
The pair also explore the role of formal and informal mentoring in developing the next generation of military leaders, the importance of continuous professional development, and how learning from colleagues, operational experiences and international partners can shape leadership approaches.
Beyond leadership and diversity, CMDR Lennard reflects on her deployments to South Sudan in support of a United Nations mission, the challenges of working alongside more than 60 nations, and the perspective these experiences provide on Australia's security, freedoms and way of life.
The conversation also examines the opportunities emerging from Navy's modernisation, the potential for career changes and further study while serving, and the importance of sharing positive stories about the people serving in the ADF.
The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts.
Enjoy the podcast,
The Progress Report team

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