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How did the Australian Defence Force coordinate one of the nation's largest non-combatant evacuation operations, and what lessons does the 2006 Lebanon War offer for Australia's preparedness for future conflict? Speaking with Defence Connect's former news editor Steve Kuper, Australian Army Colonel (Ret'd) Andrew Condon reflects on his experience commanding the Australian Defence Force taskforce responsible for Operation Ramp, the 2006 evacuation of Australians from Lebanon during the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The conversation explores the scale and complexity of the operation, which ultimately brought almost 5,500 Australians home, including the challenges of coordinating military and diplomatic resources, securing evacuation routes and establishing an air bridge between Cyprus and Turkey. Condon discusses the logistical and operational challenges of deploying a relatively small Australian force into a rapidly deteriorating security environment, including negotiations with British forces, the use of chartered ferries and aircraft, and the risks posed by Israeli military operations. He also reflects on his earlier service in Iraq in 2004, including working alongside US forces and the late General Jim Mattis, supporting the integration of international coalition forces and witnessing the challenges of stabilisation and reconstruction operations. The discussion examines the implications of Australia's limited military resources during the 2006 evacuation, the demands placed on the ADF while simultaneously supporting operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Timor-Leste and the Solomon Islands, and the importance of maintaining sufficient force capacity to respond to multiple contingencies. Condon also shares his views on strengthening Australia's national resilience and preparedness, arguing that governments need to better engage the Australian population in understanding the potential sacrifices associated with future conflict while ensuring the nation is prepared to mobilise and respond to changing strategic circumstances. The conversation also examines his ongoing efforts to secure formal medallic recognition for the ADF personnel involved in the 2006 Lebanon evacuation. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

With quantum computing potentially threatening current encryption and autonomous AI agents expanding the attack surface, DigiCert executives Daniel Sutherland and Kevin Hilscher outline why Australian organisations need to start preparing now. The prospect of quantum computers breaking widely used encryption is moving closer, while AI is creating new challenges around trust, identity, and governance. DigiCert's Kevin Hilscher warns that organisations face a growing gap between awareness of post-quantum cryptography and action, with competing business priorities delaying preparation. Meanwhile, shadow AI and limited visibility into autonomous agents are creating fresh security risks. Both Hilscher and Daniel Sutherland urge businesses to begin post-quantum preparation through cryptographic discovery, executive buy-in and governance, rather than waiting for a definitive Q-Day deadline. They also highlight the need to upgrade systems, build crypto agility, and automate certificate management as lifespans shrink. Australia has set an ambitious 2030 target for post-quantum migration, with organisations expected to develop transition plans now. The discussion also explores how AI agents should be treated like employees, with verified identities, defined access privileges, and the ability to revoke trust when necessary. The executives argue that visibility, automation, and stronger policies will help businesses manage both emerging technologies – and avoid being caught unprepared as the threat landscape evolves. Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team

How is Lockheed Martin supporting Australia's Black Hawk fleet, strengthening sovereign sustainment and preparing the platform for future modernisation? Speaking with Defence Connect news editor Robert Dougherty at Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition 2026, Lockheed Martin Australia UH-60M sustainment program manager Rodahn Gibbon and Lockheed Martin US UH-60 Black Hawk Strategy senior manager Bobby J Adkins II discuss the program's priorities, including supply chain development, workforce investment and long-term capability growth. The conversation explores the development of Australia's sovereign maintenance network, opportunities for local small and medium-sized enterprises, and apprenticeship and traineeship programs to build a sustainable workforce. Gibbon and Adkins also discuss Black Hawk modernisation, including engine and cockpit upgrades, launched effects and the unmanned U-Hawk configuration, alongside opportunities to position Australia as a regional sustainment hub. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

How can Australian defence industry businesses strengthen security, achieve Defence Industry Security Program membership and position themselves to win more defence contracts? Speaking with Defence Connect Spotlight host Phil Tarrant at Land Forces 2026 in Perth, De Stefano & Co CEO and managing director Emilio De Stefano discusses the growing importance of security compliance across Australia's defence industry, particularly for SMEs seeking to enter or expand within the sector. The conversation explores DISP's four security domains, the importance of embedding security into organisational culture, and the challenges of managing cyber vulnerabilities, physical security and insider threats. De Stefano also discusses DISP application delays, practical pathways to compliance and the additional requirements facing Australian businesses pursuing AUKUS opportunities, including alignment with international frameworks such as the US Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). Looking ahead, he explains how proportionate security roadmaps and independent advice can help businesses strengthen resilience, build trust with prime contractors and secure future defence industry opportunities. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Spotlight team

From AI-driven workloads and bank job cuts to attackers exploiting vulnerabilities at machine speed, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft unpack a turbulent week in cyber security – including Australia's latest threat statistics and proposals to protect artists from AI-generated imitations. The Finance Sector Union says AI adoption is increasing workloads and stress, while job security falls amid thousands of bank cuts. Meanwhile, Arctic Wolf reports that AI autonomously resolves 60 per cent of security investigations, although human analysts remain involved in almost all cases – highlighting the importance of oversight as automation expands. PHP vulnerabilities have been added to the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue, with AI helping attackers exploit longstanding flaws. The latest Australian Signals Directorate cyber threat report also points to rising data breach notifications, while four Australian organisations were hit by Qilin ransomware in just four days. There were positive developments, too. Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Deadly Coders are helping 5,000 First Nations students build AI and digital skills, while UNSW academics have proposed a Copyright Plus framework that would give artists greater control and potential remuneration when their work is used to train AI. Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team

How is AtkinsRéalis supporting Australia's AUKUS submarine enterprise, addressing critical workforce shortages and translating global expertise into sovereign defence capability? Speaking with Defence Connect news editor Robert Dougherty at Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition 2026, AtkinsRéalis defence market director David Eyles discusses the company's priorities for Australia's defence industry, including nuclear submarine infrastructure, workforce development and support for the Australian Defence Force. The conversation explores the challenges of accelerating AUKUS delivery, securing the specialist skills required for the nuclear-powered submarine enterprise and addressing bottlenecks associated with overseas security clearance recognition, visa requirements and workforce mobility. Eyles also discusses the importance of collaboration between government, industry, universities and TAFE providers in developing a sustainable sovereign workforce, alongside the role of state governments in strengthening defence industry investment and supporting national security priorities. He shares his views on emerging opportunities across defence infrastructure and the guided weapons enterprise, building partnerships with government and industry, and leveraging global expertise to deliver locally tailored solutions for Australia's evolving defence requirements. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

From AI-driven bank job cuts and online radicalisation to critical PHP vulnerabilities and ransomware gangs using AI to analyse stolen data, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft unpack a week where artificial intelligence is reshaping both business and cyber crime. AI is transforming banking, but the benefits come with a human cost. On this week's Cyber Uncut, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft examine Commonwealth Bank's rise to become Asia-Pacific's leading AI bank, alongside mounting job cuts across the sector. With banks struggling to guarantee job security and AI operating costs climbing, could some businesses soon find it cheaper to hire people than run the technology? The cyber threat landscape is getting uglier, too. Two critical remote code execution vulnerabilities in PHP have put potentially millions of websites at risk, with outdated systems particularly exposed and AI accelerating the development of working exploits. The pair also examine how ransomware gangs are using AI to analyse stolen files and build more targeted extortion campaigns, while warning that online networks and AI-generated propaganda are contributing to radicalisation and real-world harm. There are signs of progress amid the gloom. Westpac New Zealand is seeing growing adoption of open banking, giving customers more control over secure data sharing and payments. The hosts also explore the growing backlash against data centre developments, why community consultation matters, and Gartner's predictions for 2027 – including the decidedly cyberpunk prospect of "wetware-as-a-service", using biological systems for computing. Tune in for the stories shaping the intersection of AI, business, and cyber security. Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team

How are university engineering programs and hands-on aircraft design competitions helping develop the next generation of aerospace engineers for Australia's defence industry? Speaking with Defence Connect news editor Robert Dougherty, RMIT University aerospace engineering honours student Marcus Serong discusses his experience competing in the AIAA Design/Build/Fly competition in the United States in April 2026 and how practical engineering experience is shaping his career in the Australian defence sector. The conversation, recorded at the 35th Congress of the International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences, explores the competition's challenges, including designing and building a lightweight aircraft capable of carrying payloads, completing simulated charter flights and deploying a banner. Serong discusses the growing importance of small uncrewed aerial systems in modern warfare, the engineering challenges posed by battery technology and the lessons students can take from developing low-cost, composite uncrewed aircraft. He shares his views on strengthening collaboration between universities and industry, equipping graduates with practical problem-solving skills and creating opportunities for students and tradespeople to enter the defence sector. The discussion also examines what defence companies can do to attract and retain emerging engineering talent, including providing effective graduate onboarding, early involvement in projects and opportunities to work across a range of technical challenges. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

How is Northrop Grumman Australia supporting sovereign defence manufacturing, strengthening local supply chains and developing next-generation counter-drone capabilities? Speaking with Defence Connect news editor Robert Dougherty at Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition 2026, Northrop Grumman Australia country executive Robert Denney discusses the company's priorities for Australian Defence Force capability, including proximity-fused ammunition, Bushmaster cannon systems and emerging counter-uncrewed aerial system technologies. The conversation explores Northrop Grumman's ambition to develop a fully Australian solid rocket motor supply chain, the opportunities for local manufacturers to support domestic and international programs, and the challenges of producing advanced military components to demanding operational standards. Denney also discusses the company's proposed 50mm gun-based air defence system capability, known as Raid Hunter, designed to provide an additional layer of defence against drones and other aerial threats. He shares his views on accelerating capability delivery, strengthening industry partnerships and the role of trade shows in connecting Defence with existing and emerging solutions. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

How is Australia developing sovereign loitering munition capabilities, scaling domestic production and preparing for the changing character of modern warfare? Speaking with Defence Connect news editor Robert Dougherty, Innovaero CEO Gregory Tunny discusses the evolution of drone warfare, the growing importance of affordable precision mass and the lessons emerging from conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. The conversation explores Innovaero's OWL family of loitering munitions, including the OWL-B and turbojet-powered OWL-X, and how a common mission system, electronics and software can support multiple operational roles, including long-range strike and counter-drone interception. Tunny also discusses the company's participation in the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator's Mission Talon-Strike, which is designed to progress emerging capabilities towards manufacture, certification and potential entry into service. He explains the importance of reliability, testing and certification for weaponised uncrewed systems. The discussion then examines the importance of sovereign manufacturing, with Tunny arguing that Australia must be able to produce affordable drone-based munitions at scale rather than rely solely on access to overseas suppliers. He also outlines Innovaero's plans to expand production capacity following its initial public offering. Looking ahead, Tunny discusses the growing role of autonomy, electronic warfare resilience, software-driven upgrades and increased speed and range in future drone systems. He also examines the importance of maintaining warm production capacity, component stockpiles and the industrial infrastructure needed to rapidly scale output during a conflict. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Spotlight team

From banks battling big tech for AI talent to ransomware attacks exposing sensitive medical records, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft unpack another eventful week in cyber security – including why your supermarket fridge might be a bigger security risk than you think. AI is reshaping everything from banking to elections, but are organisations keeping pace with the risks? Hollingworth and Croft explore the race for AI talent, the collapse of Firmus' proposed $44 billion ASX listing, and growing concerns about AI-generated deepfakes in electoral advertising. With AI adoption racing ahead of governance, the pair examine the challenge of balancing innovation, economic opportunity and accountability. Then it's on to the week's cyber crime headlines, from French supermarkets hit by compromised refrigeration systems to ransomware groups claiming vast troves of sensitive healthcare data. The incidents affecting a pair of Aussie healthcare providers highlight the risks of third-party providers and compromised back-ups. Hollingworth and Croft also discuss why connected operational technology needs stronger security controls and why organisations must treat their suppliers as part of their own cyber perimeter. There's good news, too. Australia's new ASD Essentials framework marks an evolution of the Essential Eight, reflecting a threat landscape increasingly shaped by AI. And in a standout example of AI used for good, Indigenous rangers in Arnhem Land are using MegaDetector to streamline wildlife monitoring, cutting the images requiring analysis by 81.4 per cent. Tune in to Cyber Uncut for the latest developments, sharp analysis and a reminder that technology's biggest risks and most promising applications can emerge from the same place. Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team

Amentum is looking to expand its presence in Australia's defence and national security sectors, with a focus on contested logistics, theatre logistics and support for naval infrastructure. Speaking with Defence Connect news editor Robert Dougherty at Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition 2026, Amentum Australia managing director Kim Katheklakis discusses the company's growth strategy and its priorities for supporting Australian Defence Force capability. The conversation explores Western Australia's growing defence industry investment, opportunities for collaboration across state governments and the development of supply chain partnerships to support contested logistics across northern Australia. Katheklakis also shares her views on workforce challenges, international knowledge-sharing under AUKUS, the importance of building sovereign capability and the role of industry in integrating solutions to meet Australia's evolving defence requirements. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Israel Aerospace Industries expands into the Indo-Pacific region as it pitches solutions for local deployment of missile, uncrewed aerial vehicle, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems. Speaking with Defence Connect news editor Robert Dougherty at Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition 2026, Israel Aerospace Industries' marketing director, Maxim Zemer, discusses the company's expansion into the Australian and Indo-Pacific regional market. The conversation explores the importance of new containerised solutions for air defence and other purposes, as well as why the Australian market is considered to be particularly important for IAI. Zemer also shares his views on industry trends, AI development, human-in-the-loop theory and cooperation with local companies at Land Forces 2026. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

How is Lockheed Martin Australia strengthening defence capability, expanding local manufacturing and delivering complex programs for the Australian Defence Force Speaking with Defence Connect news editor Robert Dougherty, Major General (Ret'd) Jeremy King, chief executive of Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand, discusses his transition from senior Defence leadership into industry and the challenges of delivering major capability programs across Australia and New Zealand. The conversation explores Lockheed Martin's growing role in Australia's guided weapons enterprise, including the local assembly and firing of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System missiles and development of domestic production capacity for GMLRS and Precision Strike Missiles. King also discusses collaboration with Australian industry partners on warhead development, testing and the integration of local suppliers into global supply chains. The discussion examines Lockheed Martin's involvement in major Defence programs, including the company's investment in the Air Power Precinct at RAAF Williamtown in NSW. Looking ahead, King discusses the challenges of growing Australia's developing skilled workforces, expanding apprenticeship programs and helping Australian small and medium-sized businesses meet the technical and quality requirements needed to participate in global defence supply chains. He also reflects on the value of his career in the Australian Defence Force and how the experience on both sides of the acquisition process informs his approach to industry leadership. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Spotlight team

Cyber Uncut returns to discuss AI giant conspiracies, data centre impacts, and the dead internet theory. Are AI giants like OpenAI having their agents hack things on purpose? Senior journalist Daniel Croft and managing editor Liam Garman touch on the theory that these tech giants want their AI models hacking, as any publicity is good publicity. The two start by discussing dead internet theory and bots causing division, starting with the 2016 election. They then discuss local hacks and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia's AI copyright changes. Finally, the two talk about data centres and the impact they could have on markets. Are data centres set to cause a "mining boom" effect in small, regional towns? How are rental and housing markets going to be impacted? Should data centre developers be building housing right next to their projects? The answer might not be as clear as you might think. That's this week in the Cyber Uncut podcast. Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut Team