Defence & Security Podcast Network

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

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