{"podcast":{"title":"Defence & Security Podcast Network","slug":"defence-security-podcast-network-607233","podcast_index_feed_id":607233,"rss_url":"https://defenceconnect.libsyn.com/rss","website_url":"http://www.defenceconnect.com.au/","image_url":"https://static.libsyn.com/p/assets/b/7/3/9/b739dd59f139871816c3140a3186d450/Defence__Security_podcast_network.jpg","author":"Defence Connect","episode_count":863,"summary":"The Defence & Security Podcast Network hosts a unique series of podcasts, featuring discussions with key enablers from across the Australian defence and security industry. The podcasts provide the perfect blend of business intelligence and insights from a range of guests, which include government officials, ADF personnel, industry stakeholders, and members of the academic community. By aligning ourselves with the ADF and the Commonwealth government, we are uniquely placed to deliver a dynamic 360° platform that bridges the gap between the customer (Defence) and industry. We split our focus not just into the traditional sectors of Land (Army), Air (Air Force) and Sea (Navy), but into the six new Capability Streams: - Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Electronic Warfare and Cyber - Key Enablers - Air and Sea Lift - Maritime and Anti-Submarine Warfare - Strike and Air Combat - Land Combat and Amphibious Warfare As Defence moves to ensure the Force Structure Review and the First Principles Review: Creating One Defence plans are met, Australian industry involvement is critical for mission success. The Defence & Security Podcast Network will provide you and your business with…","last_synced_at":"2026-06-09T16:18:02.313563+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/defence-security-podcast-network-607233"},"episode":{"title":"SPOTLIGHT: LAND 156, counter-drone warfare and electronic warfare capability, with Department 13's Ben Westgarth","slug":"spotlight-land-156-counter-drone-warfare-and-electronic-warfare-capability-with-department-13-s-ben-westgarth","published_at":"2026-06-02T02:54:47+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/defence-security-podcast-network-607233/spotlight-land-156-counter-drone-warfare-and-electronic-warfare-capability-with-department-13-s-ben-westgarth","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/defence-security-podcast-network-607233","url":"https://defenceconnect.libsyn.com/spotlight-land-156-counter-drone-warfare-and-electronic-warfare-capability-with-department-13s-ben-westgarth","audio_url":"https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/defenceconnect/DCS_Ben_Westgarth_-_Department_13_260518_mixdown.mp3?dest-id=715252","summary":"How can Australia keep pace with the rapid proliferation of drones reshaping the character of warfare and creating new challenges for militaries, governments and critical infrastructure operators around the world? In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Ben Westgarth, chief executive officer of Department 13, to discuss the evolution of counter-uncrewed aerial system technology and Australia's role in developing sovereign capability. Dougherty and Westgarth examine the significance of Project LAND 156, the Australian Defence Force's program to establish a layered counter-drone capability capable of detecting, tracking and defeating emerging aerial threats. The pair explore the role of radio frequency detection technologies in modern electronic warfare, highlighting how Department 13's capabilities contribute to situational awareness and threat detection across increasingly complex operating environments. They discuss the changing nature of drone warfare, drawing lessons from contemporary conflicts where low-cost, rapidly adaptable drone systems are challenging traditional military capabilities. Westgarth outlines how focusing on the fundamental characteristics of drone systems, rather than individual models, can provide a more enduring framework for counter-drone development. Looking beyond defence applications, the pair discuss the importance of dual-use technologies, balancing commercial opportunities with national security requirements. Westgarth highlights the growing need for layered detection, warning and response systems to defend military installations, government facilities and essential national assets against emerging drone threats. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Spotlight team","meta_description":"How can Australia keep pace with the rapid proliferation of drones reshaping the character of warfare and creating new challenges for militaries, governme…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":2167,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/defence-security-podcast-network-607233/episodes/spotlight-land-156-counter-drone-warfare-and-electronic-warfare-capability-with-department-13-s-ben-westgarth/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/defence-security-podcast-network-607233/spotlight-land-156-counter-drone-warfare-and-electronic-warfare-capability-with-department-13-s-ben-westgarth.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}