SPOTLIGHT: What does sovereignty mean in a post-DIDS industry? With Stephen Kowal, CEO of Atturra

Joint-capabilities
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By: Atturra

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Stephen Kowal, chief executive officer of Atturra, joins host Liam Garman to unpack how Atturra is building a uniquely sovereign workforce to deliver for Defence – and deliver some top tips for SMEs in the defence industry.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Stephen Kowal, chief executive officer of Atturra, joins host Liam Garman to unpack how Atturra is building a uniquely sovereign workforce to deliver for Defence – and deliver some top tips for SMEs in the defence industry.

  • The pair commence unpacking the importance of sovereignty given Australia’s geographic isolation, and what the Defence Industry Development Strategy (DIDS) means for Australian industrial capability.
  • Kowal then unpacks the workforce constraints facing the defence industry, and what initiatives Atturra employs to get the most from their workforce.
  • The podcast wraps up with some top tips for SMEs navigating this journey, and how Atturra will continue delivering for Defence.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: PODCAST: AUKUS, workforce challenges and domestic defence industry priorities, with AtkinsRéalis’ David Eyles
Episode 10: PODCAST: Aerospace engineering, UAVs and Australia’s next generation of defence talent, with RMIT University’s Marcus Serong
Episode 9: PODCAST: Counter-drone systems, manufacturing and Australia’s defence industry priorities, with Northrop Grumman Australia’s Robert Denney
Episode 8: SPOTLIGHT: Australia’s loitering munitions, sovereign manufacturing and the future of drone warfare, with Innovaero’s Gregory Tunny
Episode 7: PODCAST: Contested logistics and Australia’s defence industry priorities at Land Forces 2026, with Amentum Australia’s Kim Katheklakis
Episode 6: PODCAST: Containerised solutions and human-in-the-loop systems at Land Forces 2026, with IAI’s Maxim Zemer
Episode 5: SPOTLIGHT: Lockheed Martin Australia’s priorities, leadership and life after service, with Jeremy King
Episode 4: THE PROGRESS REPORT: Leadership, mentorship and life at sea – Commander Melanie Lennard on 17 years in the Royal Australian Navy
Episode 3: PODCAST: Australia’s munitions manufacturing push at Land Forces 2026, with NIOA Group’s Robert Nioa
Episode 2: PODCAST: EOS showcases new interceptor and layered drone defence at Land Forces 2026, with Lee Kormany

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