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: SPOTLIGHT: Subs may be the centrepiece – but infrastructure, workforce and sovereign capability will decide the outcome, with Stantec Australia’s Chris Waywell, Rob Sansbury and Robert Fogel
Episode 10: CONTESTED GROUND: Apathy, complacency and the ‘Lucky Country’, Australia’s predicament is entirely self-inflicted, with Ben Dullroy
Episode 9: SPECIAL EDITION PODCAST: 125 years of the Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army
Episode 8: CONTESTED GROUND: Australian resilience during a crisis and sovereign industrial capability
Episode 7: CONTESTED GROUND: From Tehran to Sydney – why war could reshape Australian property
Episode 6: SPOTLIGHT: Inside Australia’s AUKUS industrial transformation, with Honeywell Aerospace Australia senior director Lee Davis
Episode 5: CONTESTED GROUND: War without borders – the disinformation threat arriving in Australia
Episode 4: THE PROGRESS REPORT: The mission to make military children visible
Episode 3: PODCAST: Righting the ship, balancing the force, with Senator James Paterson, shadow minister for defence
Episode 2: SPOTLIGHT: Modern electronic warfare, spectrum congestion and the Australian defence ecosystem, with DEWC Services’ Rian Whitby

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