PODCAST: Reflecting on an extensive defence career, Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Bob Love CB, OBE

Naval
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By:
Bob Love, Babcock

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Bob Love, who looks back at his long and varied career with the Royal Navy.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Bob Love, who looks back at his long and varied career with the Royal Navy.


Love explains his pivotal role as the Royal Navy’s director general (ships) as well as potential learnings for Australia’s shipbuilding sector drawing on his experience as the officer in charge of the biggest shipbuilding program in Europe since WW2 – including taking the iconic Queen Elizabeth Class carrier program through main gate.

He also discusses his career post navy working with Babcock and BMT plus what the future holds as a senior defence executive. Additionally, he shares how the UK relationship between the services and industry differs to Australia, and why he believes Australia’s defence industry has a unique advantage compared with other countries.

Having received an Order of the British Empire from the Queen for his involvement in the recovery of HMS Nottingham off the coast of Australia, Love gives the story behind it and shares his plans to turn the experience into a book upon retirement.

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