SPOTLIGHT: Defence industry collaboration and the need for an Australian prime, with Dean Rosenfield

Joint-capabilities
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By: Robyn Tongol

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Nova Systems chief executive officer Dean Rosenfield to explore the increasing importance of the defence industry to the nation’s security and why it’s time for an Australian “prime” contractor.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Nova Systems chief executive officer Dean Rosenfield to explore the increasing importance of the defence industry to the nation’s security and why it’s time for an Australian “prime” contractor.

Rosenfield, a highly experienced senior business leader, has more than two decades of defence industry experience and moved from London to Adelaide to take the helm as Nova Systems’ CEO.

He has previously served as senior vice president of Saab AB, group managing director Saab UK and led businesses in Singapore, the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

The pair begin the podcast with a snapshot of the current defence industry environment, its strengths and the challenges it will face.
They also discuss the potential role of an Australian prime in shaping national security, sovereignty and clarifying major defence policies.

Rosenfield shares some advice for small-to-medium enterprises navigating the defence industry landscape, funding opportunities and government policy.

Looking backward, the pair assess how corporate Australia navigated defence industry changes during World War II.

Finally, looking forward, Rosenfield reveals his priorities and predictions for the next 12 months.

Enjoy the episode,
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
Episode 10: PODCAST: Containerised solutions and human-in-the-loop systems at Land Forces 2026, with IAI’s Maxim Zemer
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