PODCAST: Innovating and developing modern leadership practice in an evolving defence force, Major General Fergus (Gus) McLachlan AO, Australian Army

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Major General Fergus (Gus) McLachlan

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Major General Fergus (Gus) McLachlan AO of the Australian Army, who will discuss how the services are implementing modern leadership and best equipping themselves for the future.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Major General Fergus (Gus) McLachlan AO of the Australian Army, who will discuss how the services are implementing modern leadership and best equipping themselves for the future.

MAJGEN McLachlan will discuss the recent Anzac centenary and how, as a department, Army is navigating the task of retaining the spirit and traditions of history, while also innovating in an industry that has become increasingly more collaborative. He will discuss how this collaboration is aiding the development and training of defence industry, and why some have concerns over the changing environment.

Acknowledging the differences between the Army today compared with the more traditional model, MAJGEN McLachlan will discuss why Army technology has previously been so segregated, and why there is a push going forward to create a network of technology that connects deployed land combat systems so that further technological developments could be implemented almost seamlessly.

Enjoy the podcast,

The Defence Connect team

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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: PODCAST: Contested logistics and Australia’s defence industry priorities at Land Forces 2026, with Amentum Australia’s Kim Katheklakis
Episode 10: PODCAST: Containerised solutions and human-in-the-loop systems at Land Forces 2026, with IAI’s Maxim Zemer
Episode 9: SPOTLIGHT: Lockheed Martin Australia’s priorities, leadership and life after service, with Jeremy King
Episode 8: THE PROGRESS REPORT: Leadership, mentorship and life at sea – Commander Melanie Lennard on 17 years in the Royal Australian Navy
Episode 7: PODCAST: Australia’s munitions manufacturing push at Land Forces 2026, with NIOA Group’s Robert Nioa
Episode 6: PODCAST: EOS showcases new interceptor and layered drone defence at Land Forces 2026, with Lee Kormany
Episode 5: CONTESTED GROUND: The information advantage – how AI is reshaping influence, competition and power
Episode 4: PODCAST: Next-generation equipment at Land Forces 2026, with Aquaterro’s Graeme Bulte
Episode 3: SPOTLIGHT: Defence electronics supply chains, counterfeit components and shortages
Episode 2: PODCAST: AUKUS, China and Australia’s defence industrial future, with former prime minister Scott Morrison