SPOTLIGHT: The role of AUKUS Pillar 2 in shaping the future, with Leidos Australia’s Zac Smith and ASPI’s Dr Malcolm Davis

Joint-capabilities
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By: Leidos

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Zac Smith of Leidos Australia and Dr Malcolm Davis of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute to unpack the role of AUKUS Pillar 2 and the future of the Australian Defence Force.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Zac Smith of Leidos Australia and Dr Malcolm Davis of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute to unpack the role of AUKUS Pillar 2 and the future of the Australian Defence Force.

The trio discuss a range of topics as they navigate the still murky world of AUKUS Pillar 2 and what it means for the future of the Australian Defence Force, including:

  • The need for AUKUS partners to focus their efforts in supporting the commercialisation of novel technologies to accelerate the delivery of critical warfighting capability.
  • The role of competitive pressure from potential adversaries as they seek to develop and field next-generation capabilities across the warfighting domains.
  • The impact of the US Global Posture Review and its impact on Australia's defence industry and the future of the ADF in the era of great-power competition.
  • Future predictions about the trends that are shaping both allied and adversarial defence and technology developments.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: SPOTLIGHT: Building mass, capability and trust with autonomous and uncrewed systems, with Michael Mitchell, Elysium EPL director
Episode 10: PODCAST: Defence policy, domestic manufacturing and military culture, with Senator Malcolm Roberts
Episode 9: SPOTLIGHT: LAND 156, counter-drone warfare and electronic warfare capability, with Department 13’s Ben Westgarth
Episode 8: PODCAST: Australia’s first 3D printed autonomous USV, with Josh Wigley and Harry Hubbert
Episode 7: PODCAST: Australia’s shipbuilding future, landing craft pipeline and autonomous vessels, with Austal CEO Paddy Gregg
Episode 6: CONTESTED GROUND: Assessing the fallout and implications of the latest Trump–Xi meeting for Iran, Taiwan and Australia
Episode 5: PODCAST: Missile manufacturing, Collins LOTE upgrades and submarine base east
Episode 4: PODCAST: Aerobatics, military aviation and Australian air shows, with Paul Bennet
Episode 3: CONTESTED GROUND: Australia and the West must ask themselves new questions in the face of the modern world, with Robbin Laird
Episode 2: PODCAST: Black Hawk capability, B-21 bomber debate, and upcoming budget

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