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: SPOTLIGHT: DISP compliance, defence industry security and strengthening Australian supply chains, with De Stefano & Co’s Emilio De Stefano
Episode 10: PODCAST: AUKUS, workforce challenges and domestic defence industry priorities, with AtkinsRéalis’ David Eyles
Episode 9: PODCAST: Aerospace engineering, UAVs and Australia’s next generation of defence talent, with RMIT University’s Marcus Serong
Episode 8: PODCAST: Counter-drone systems, manufacturing and Australia’s defence industry priorities, with Northrop Grumman Australia’s Robert Denney
Episode 7: SPOTLIGHT: Australia’s loitering munitions, sovereign manufacturing and the future of drone warfare, with Innovaero’s Gregory Tunny
Episode 6: PODCAST: Contested logistics and Australia’s defence industry priorities at Land Forces 2026, with Amentum Australia’s Kim Katheklakis
Episode 5: PODCAST: Containerised solutions and human-in-the-loop systems at Land Forces 2026, with IAI’s Maxim Zemer
Episode 4: SPOTLIGHT: Lockheed Martin Australia’s priorities, leadership and life after service, with Jeremy King
Episode 3: THE PROGRESS REPORT: Leadership, mentorship and life at sea – Commander Melanie Lennard on 17 years in the Royal Australian Navy
Episode 2: PODCAST: Australia’s munitions manufacturing push at Land Forces 2026, with NIOA Group’s Robert Nioa

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