PODCAST: Submarines, combined arms, and preparing the ADF for an uncertain future, with MAJGEN (Ret’d) Gus McLachlan

Joint-capabilities
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By: Robyn Tongol

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Major General (Ret’d) Gus McLachlan joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss the future of the Australian Defence Force and defence industry amid the evolving domestic and global geopolitical environments.

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Major General (Ret’d) Gus McLachlan joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss the future of the Australian Defence Force and defence industry amid the evolving domestic and global geopolitical environments.

  

  • The pair begin the podcast discussing the geopolitical and economic uncertainties facing Australia, while MAJGEN (Ret’d) McLachlan shares his lessons on how to build a stronger and more resilient defence industry
  • The podcast continues unpacking the future of combined arms and multidomain battle management, including requirements for a robust information capability to link Australia’s diverse fighting force.
  • The pair wrap up the podcast by unpacking some of the priorities facing the Australian Defence Force and the Commonwealth, and what the sovereign industrial capability will look like in the future.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: PODCAST: Black Hawk modernisation, domestic sustainment and workforce development, with Lockheed Martin’s Rodahn Gibbon and Bobby Adkins
Episode 10: SPOTLIGHT: DISP compliance, defence industry security and strengthening Australian supply chains, with De Stefano & Co’s Emilio De Stefano
Episode 9: PODCAST: AUKUS, workforce challenges and domestic defence industry priorities, with AtkinsRéalis’ David Eyles
Episode 8: PODCAST: Aerospace engineering, UAVs and Australia’s next generation of defence talent, with RMIT University’s Marcus Serong
Episode 7: PODCAST: Counter-drone systems, manufacturing and Australia’s defence industry priorities, with Northrop Grumman Australia’s Robert Denney
Episode 6: SPOTLIGHT: Australia’s loitering munitions, sovereign manufacturing and the future of drone warfare, with Innovaero’s Gregory Tunny
Episode 5: PODCAST: Contested logistics and Australia’s defence industry priorities at Land Forces 2026, with Amentum Australia’s Kim Katheklakis
Episode 4: PODCAST: Containerised solutions and human-in-the-loop systems at Land Forces 2026, with IAI’s Maxim Zemer
Episode 3: SPOTLIGHT: Lockheed Martin Australia’s priorities, leadership and life after service, with Jeremy King
Episode 2: THE PROGRESS REPORT: Leadership, mentorship and life at sea – Commander Melanie Lennard on 17 years in the Royal Australian Navy