SPOTLIGHT: Maritime sustainment, mission-ready maintenance and resilient fleet capability, with Serco’s David Astbury

Joint-capabilities
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By: Robyn Tongol

The world of maritime operations is built on a bedrock foundation of modern naval sustainment.

The world of maritime operations is built on a bedrock foundation of modern naval sustainment.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by David Astbury, Asia-Pacific general manager for Defence at Serco, to explore the evolving challenges and opportunities shaping maritime maintenance and sustainment.

Kuper and Astbury discuss the growing importance of resilient, sovereign sustainment capabilities as Australia prepares for the delivery of future naval platforms, including AUKUS submarines and an expanded surface fleet.

 
 

The pair explore advancements in autonomous systems and digital technologies that are reshaping traditional sustainment models, requiring new skill sets across electrical, electronic and software domains.

They discuss the impact of life cycle management, with defence organisations placing greater emphasis on designing platforms with sustainment and upgrade pathways in mind. Platforms must be adaptable, with more frequent upgrades and modular architectures.

Cost pressures remain a key challenge but looking ahead, they examine the growing influence of artificial intelligence in maintenance and diagnostics, enabling faster decision making and reducing reliance on traditional support models.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect Spotlight team

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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: SPOTLIGHT: Cyber warfare, autonomy and the future of defence, with Palo Alto Networks’ Tom Scully and MAJGEN (Ret’d) John Davis
Episode 10: CONTESTED GROUND: Fortune favours the bold – building a national security strategy for the 21st century, with Marc Ablong
Episode 9: 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 8: PODCAST: AUKUS expansion, artillery manufacturing and Australia’s regional defence role
Episode 7: SPOTLIGHT: Building mass, capability and trust with autonomous and uncrewed systems, with Michael Mitchell, Elysium EPL director
Episode 6: PODCAST: Defence policy, domestic manufacturing and military culture, with Senator Malcolm Roberts
Episode 5: SPOTLIGHT: LAND 156, counter-drone warfare and electronic warfare capability, with Department 13’s Ben Westgarth
Episode 4: PODCAST: Australia’s first 3D printed autonomous USV, with Josh Wigley and Harry Hubbert
Episode 3: PODCAST: Australia’s shipbuilding future, landing craft pipeline and autonomous vessels, with Austal CEO Paddy Gregg
Episode 2: CONTESTED GROUND: Assessing the fallout and implications of the latest Trump–Xi meeting for Iran, Taiwan and Australia