SPOTLIGHT: Modern electronic warfare, spectrum congestion and the Australian defence ecosystem, with DEWC Services’ Rian Whitby

Joint-capabilities
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By: DEWC Services

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Rian Whitby, deputy chief operating officer at DEWC Services and former naval officer aerospace engineer.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Rian Whitby, deputy chief operating officer at DEWC Services and former naval officer aerospace engineer.

The pair discuss the Australian defence ecosystem and electronic warfare in the lead-up to Whitby’s appearance at the Electronic Warfare Australia-New Zealand 2026 conference.

As part of this in-depth conversation, the pair discuss a range of subjects, including the following:

  • The Australian defence ecosystem as well as small-to-medium enterprises and international primes supply chains.
  • Support for the Royal Australian Navy and the evolving regional threat environment in the Indo-Pacific.
  • Spectrum congestion and increasingly sophisticated electronic attack capabilities in modern warfare.
  • The Royal Australian Navy’s new platforms, such as future Mogami Class frigates, uncrewed underwater vessels and uncrewed surface vessels.
  • Integration of embedded electronic warfare upgrades into legacy naval platforms.
  • Electromagnetic warfare challenges, capability gaps and Australia’s evolving sovereign electronic warfare capability.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect Spotlight team

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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: PODCAST: Containerised solutions and human-in-the-loop systems at Land Forces 2026, with IAI’s Maxim Zemer
Episode 10: SPOTLIGHT: Lockheed Martin Australia’s priorities, leadership and life after service, with Jeremy King
Episode 9: THE PROGRESS REPORT: Leadership, mentorship and life at sea – Commander Melanie Lennard on 17 years in the Royal Australian Navy
Episode 8: PODCAST: Australia’s munitions manufacturing push at Land Forces 2026, with NIOA Group’s Robert Nioa
Episode 7: PODCAST: EOS showcases new interceptor and layered drone defence at Land Forces 2026, with Lee Kormany
Episode 6: CONTESTED GROUND: The information advantage – how AI is reshaping influence, competition and power
Episode 5: PODCAST: Next-generation equipment at Land Forces 2026, with Aquaterro’s Graeme Bulte
Episode 4: SPOTLIGHT: Defence electronics supply chains, counterfeit components and shortages
Episode 3: PODCAST: AUKUS, China and Australia’s defence industrial future, with former prime minister Scott Morrison
Episode 2: CONTESTED GROUND: When AI goes rogue – the emerging threat Australia isn’t ready for

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