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: Assessing the fallout and implications of the latest Trump–Xi meeting for Iran, Taiwan and Australia
Episode 10: PODCAST: Missile manufacturing, Collins LOTE upgrades and submarine base east
Episode 9: PODCAST: Aerobatics, military aviation and Australian air shows, with Paul Bennet
Episode 8: CONTESTED GROUND: Australia and the West must ask themselves new questions in the face of the modern world, with Robbin Laird
Episode 7: PODCAST: Black Hawk capability, B-21 bomber debate, and upcoming budget
Episode 6: PODCAST: Supermarine Spitfire, warbird aviation and modern aerial innovation, with Keith Russell
Episode 5: PODCAST: Bushmaster PMV funding, long-range strike expansion and cyber defence
Episode 4: PODCAST: Space Command workforce expansion and operationalising the domain, with Major General Gregory Novak AM
Episode 3: CONTESTED GROUND: The Defence budget, inflationary pressures and domestic information warfare
Episode 2: SPOTLIGHT: Maritime sustainment, mission-ready maintenance and resilient fleet capability, with Serco’s David Astbury