PODCAST: Potential powerplant for SEA 5000, Rob Madders, Rolls-Royce Australia Services

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Rob Madders, Rolls-Royce

Low underwater radiating noise is an important attribute for a defence vessel where undetectability in the underwater battlespace is key. Rolls-Royce has previously had success with the Type 23 frigate and now has further plans within the Australian defence industry.

Low underwater radiating noise is an important attribute for a defence vessel where undetectability in the underwater battlespace is key. Rolls-Royce has previously had success with the Type 23 frigate and now has further plans within the Australian defence industry.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, program director of Rolls-Royce Australia Services Rob Madders joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss the company’s bid in the SEA 5000 proposal and its partnership with Australian industrial engineering firm Marand. Supporting this partnership, Madders talks about how Rolls-Royce has been building its supply chain within Australia, unpacks the government’s role in influencing such decisions, and shares what is involved in a business becoming affiliated with the Rolls-Royce brand.

Madders also discusses the history of Rolls-Royce within defence industry and share how its benchmark work with the Type 23 frigate will impact its plans going forward with the Type 26 frigate should their bid be successful, the changes in the Australian defence industry over the past two decades, and shares his thoughts on Australia as a shipbuilding hub.

Enjoy the podcast,

The Defence Connect team

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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: PODCAST: Contested logistics and Australia’s defence industry priorities at Land Forces 2026, with Amentum Australia’s Kim Katheklakis
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Episode 9: SPOTLIGHT: Lockheed Martin Australia’s priorities, leadership and life after service, with Jeremy King
Episode 8: THE PROGRESS REPORT: Leadership, mentorship and life at sea – Commander Melanie Lennard on 17 years in the Royal Australian Navy
Episode 7: PODCAST: Australia’s munitions manufacturing push at Land Forces 2026, with NIOA Group’s Robert Nioa
Episode 6: PODCAST: EOS showcases new interceptor and layered drone defence at Land Forces 2026, with Lee Kormany
Episode 5: CONTESTED GROUND: The information advantage – how AI is reshaping influence, competition and power
Episode 4: PODCAST: Next-generation equipment at Land Forces 2026, with Aquaterro’s Graeme Bulte
Episode 3: SPOTLIGHT: Defence electronics supply chains, counterfeit components and shortages
Episode 2: PODCAST: AUKUS, China and Australia’s defence industrial future, with former prime minister Scott Morrison