PODCAST: Fleet readiness, future warfare and Australia’s naval strategy, with Commodore Antony Pisani

Joint-capabilities
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By: Robyn Tongol

What does it take to lead the Royal Australian Navy in an increasingly uncertain world?

What does it take to lead the Royal Australian Navy in an increasingly uncertain world?

Courage, integrity, service, respect and excellence.

Defence Connect senior journalist Robert Dougherty holds a rare in-depth conversation with Royal Australian Navy Commander Surface Force, Commodore Antony Pisani CSC, aboard the helicopter landing dock HMAS Canberra off the NSW coast.

 
 

CDRE Pisani offers an uncommon look behind the scenes inside the operational engine room of the Royal Australian Navy. From force generation and fleet readiness to training, sustainment and deployment, he outlines how Australia prepares its surface fleet for everything – from border protection to outright conflict.

From crew readiness, system maintenance and advanced warfighting exercises to emerging autonomous technologies and evolving defence priorities, this discussion connects strategic policy with real-world capability.

The conversation explores how the Royal Australian Navy is adapting to a more complex global environment, what a “focused force” really means, and how new platforms and partnerships are shaping the future of maritime operations.

Not to be missed, the discussion provides a seldom seen, clear window into how Australia is building a more capable and resilient naval force in response to shifting geopolitical realities.

Enjoy the conversation,
The Defence Connect team

Defence Connect has made minor audio edits to this podcast interview for clarity and listener experience.

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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: CONTESTED GROUND: Australia’s sovereign capability reckoning – why the system is no longer fit for purpose
Episode 10: PODCAST: Defence export ambitions, drone technology and defence manufacturing hubs
Episode 9: PODCAST: Offshore manufacturing, defence procurement and industrial resilience, with Philippe Odouard and David McLaughlin
Episode 8: SPOTLIGHT: Cyber warfare, autonomy and the future of defence, with Palo Alto Networks’ Tom Scully and MAJGEN (Ret’d) John Davis
Episode 7: CONTESTED GROUND: Fortune favours the bold – building a national security strategy for the 21st century, with Marc Ablong
Episode 6: PODCAST: Developing Australia’s ability to take a hit and keep fighting, with the honourable Andrew Hastie MP, shadow minister for industry and sovereign capability
Episode 5: PODCAST: AUKUS expansion, artillery manufacturing and Australia’s regional defence role
Episode 4: SPOTLIGHT: Building mass, capability and trust with autonomous and uncrewed systems, with Michael Mitchell, Elysium EPL director
Episode 3: PODCAST: Defence policy, domestic manufacturing and military culture, with Senator Malcolm Roberts
Episode 2: SPOTLIGHT: LAND 156, counter-drone warfare and electronic warfare capability, with Department 13’s Ben Westgarth