SPOTLIGHT: Cyber warfare, autonomy and the future of defence, with Palo Alto Networks’ Tom Scully and MAJGEN (Ret’d) John Davis

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By: Palo Alto Networks

How is artificial intelligence changing the world of modern defence operations, cyber security and military decision making?

How is artificial intelligence changing the world of modern defence operations, cyber security and military decision making?

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Palo Alto Networks’ Tom Scully, director and principal architect for government and critical industries Asia-Pacific and Japan, and US Army Major General (Ret’d) John Davis, vice president of public sector.

The discussion explores how AI is accelerating change across defence and cyber operations, from autonomous systems and edge computing through to intelligence, trust and decision making.

Scully and Davis also examine the growing role of commercial innovation in national security and the need to secure AI-enabled capabilities from the outset.

The podcast conversation includes the following topics:

  • The growing use of AI, autonomy and edge computing in defence operations.
  • How cyber threats are evolving through AI-enabled speed, scale and sophistication.
  • Why governments are increasingly adopting commercial technology and industry innovation.
  • The importance of identity, zero trust and secure AI-by-design frameworks.
  • Challenges around trust, governance and human oversight in AI-enabled decision making.
  • The role of public-private partnerships in strengthening cyber resilience.

Finally, the conversation examines how defence leaders can prepare for the next generation of conflict while ensuring AI remains secure, trusted and operationally effective.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect Spotlight team

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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

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

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