# Australian defence industry faces a changing strategic landscape, with Phillip Tarrant and Robert Dougherty

An episode of [Defence & Security Podcast Network](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1179984273), 17 Sep 2026, 30 min.

Audio: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/defenceconnect/DC_Phil__Rob_260915_mixdown.mp3?dest-id=715252

Defence Connect relaunches our podcast with co-host Phil Tarrant, joined by news editor Robert Dougherty, to discuss the latest developments shaping Australia's defence industry. The pair discuss defence spending, AUKUS, sovereign capability, emerging technologies, and the growing strategic importance of Western Australia. The podcast conversation includes the following topics: • Australia's defence spending trajectory and the importance of export opportunities. • AUKUS and opportunities for Australian companies across the trilateral supply chain. • The strategic significance of Western Australia and its growing defence infrastructure. • The People's Republic of China, Taiwan, and the evolving regional security environment. • Austal and the importance of maintaining sovereign shipbuilding capability. • New missile and air-defence capabilities, including JASSM-ER, LRASM, and NASAMS. • The rise of drones, autonomy and new approaches to defence innovation. • Project AIR 6500 and the development of a more integrated battlefield network. • The potential role of deployable microreactors for military and space applications. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

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