SPOTLIGHT: The digital transformation reshaping the ADF, with Mark Gainsford and Matt Dodds, Systematic

Joint-capabilities
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By: Robyn Tongol

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Mark Gainsford and Matt Dodds of Systematic to discuss the digital transformation shaping the Australian Defence Force.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Mark Gainsford and Matt Dodds of Systematic to discuss the digital transformation shaping the Australian Defence Force.

The trio also examine how, in an era of renewed great power competition, the ADF must adapt to warfare defined by data, speed and contested information environments.

They highlight that the pace of technological and operational change demands tools to cut through “information noise” and deliver decision superiority. Artificial intelligence and analytics can help achieve this, but only when paired with strong training and trust.

Moving on, they discuss the importance of testing and refining AI through realistic digital simulations, enabling adaptation to changing conditions without the cost or risk of live training.

They also talk about the role of digital infrastructure in preparing warfighters for degraded and contested communications environments, where jamming and disruption are common. Investing in resilient, upgradeable systems ensures the ADF maintains operational tempo and confidence in complex conditions.

Finally, they discuss investing in sovereign digital infrastructure, trusted AI and realistic simulation today so the ADF can build the integrated, information-led force needed to out-think and outfight its adversaries – mastering in training what must never be learned in combat.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: CONTESTED GROUND: Weak, vulnerable, backwater – Australia’s choice between strategic camps and managed decline
Episode 10: PODCAST: Undersea dominance – Australia charts the maritime future through autonomous systems and AUKUS innovation
Episode 9: PODCAST: Australian Army Cadets pathways, submarine industry growth and Australia’s fuel security
Episode 8: CONTESTED GROUND: The blind faith factor – why Australians trust an ADF they don’t understand
Episode 7: PODCAST: Defence preparedness, artificial intelligence productivity, and Australian industrial resilience
Episode 6: CONTESTED GROUND: Shots fired! Chinese missile test shatters Australia’s ‘fog of peace’, with Mike Pezzullo
Episode 5: SPOTLIGHT: Counter-drone innovation, directed energy and delivering operational outcomes, with EOS Defence Systems’ Lee Kormany
Episode 4: PODCAST: Strengthening security ties, Fiji defence pact and Australia’s counter-drone push
Episode 3: CONTESTED GROUND: Lessons from the UK in political polarisation, generational dislocation and intergenerational warfare, with Ben Dullroy, Bravo Delta Advisory
Episode 2: PODCAST: Defence Industry Development Strategy, Defence reform and Australians fighting in Ukraine

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