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: Shots fired! Chinese missile test shatters Australia’s ‘fog of peace’, with Mike Pezzullo
Episode 10: SPOTLIGHT: Counter-drone innovation, directed energy and delivering operational outcomes, with EOS Defence Systems’ Lee Kormany
Episode 9: PODCAST: Strengthening security ties, Fiji defence pact and Australia’s counter-drone push
Episode 8: CONTESTED GROUND: Lessons from the UK in political polarisation, generational dislocation and intergenerational warfare, with Ben Dullroy, Bravo Delta Advisory
Episode 7: PODCAST: Defence Industry Development Strategy, Defence reform and Australians fighting in Ukraine
Episode 6: CONTESTED GROUND: Budget backlash – has Australia lost its political middle ground?
Episode 5: CONTESTED GROUND: Australia’s sovereign capability reckoning – why the system is no longer fit for purpose
Episode 4: PODCAST: Defence export ambitions, drone technology and defence manufacturing hubs
Episode 3: PODCAST: Offshore manufacturing, defence procurement and industrial resilience, with Philippe Odouard and David McLaughlin
Episode 2: CONTESTED GROUND: Fortune favours the bold – building a national security strategy for the 21st century, with Marc Ablong

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