Tactics & Tech Podcast (TTP)

• Thinking Like the Bad guys: Counter-Drone Tactics & Tech with Department 13’s Ben Westgarth

  🔍 Episode Summary: In this episode, we sit down with the Chief Technology Officer of Department 13, a leading Australian counter-drone company, to explore how they’re reshaping the fight against rogue and non-cooperative drone threats. We dive into the real-world challenge of drone detection and takeover, the philosophy behind resilient electronic warfare systems, and why traditional jamming isn’t enough. From audio signal processing to RF exploitation, the CTO shares his unique journey from self-taught software engineer to leading one of Australia’s most advanced drone defense tech teams. This episode unpacks how Department 13 is building smart, low-signature, protocol-based takeover systems that don’t just jam—they outthink. 🔑 Key Topics Covered: From Hacking Audio to Drones – How a career in digital audio signal processing evolved into RF-based drone defense. Protocol-Based Takeover – Why precision, not power, wins the counter-drone battle. Resilience Over Reaction – Designing systems that anticipate future threats, not just today’s. Non-Cooperative Users – The growing problem of unauthorized drones over prisons, critical infrastructure, and conflict zones. Real-World Deployments – How Department 13 detects hundreds more drones than site owners expect. System-of-Systems Mindset – Why integration, not competition, is the key to solving drone threats at scale. If you’re interested in how to counter the growing threat of small drones—without starting an RF arms race—this is one you don’t want to miss. Find out more about D13 at their website: https://department13.com/ or contact on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/department13 You can find more details on our website at: www.ttpod.net/ or follow us on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/ttpod

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• Robotic Javelin Fire & Building Uncrewed Systems Startups with Stephen Bornstein

  In this episode of the Tactics & Tech podcast, we’re joined by Stephen Bornstein, founder of Cyborg Dynamics Engineering and Managing Director of Athena AI. Stephen walks us through the story behind Australia’s first robotic Javelin missile fire, shares how AI-driven battlefield tech is transforming the fight, and offers rare insight into what it really takes to build a defence tech startup in Australia. This episode is packed with lessons on the future of uncrewed systems! 🔑 Key Takeaways: Robotic Javelin Fire – His team conducted Australia's first live Javelin missile fire from a robotic platform, pushing the boundaries of UGV firepower. Startup to Scale-Up – From an Army Reservist and aerospace engineer to leading two cutting-edge defence tech companies. AI for Decision Dominance – AI compresses the decision-making cycle by integrating target recognition, geospatial terrain analysis into live battle maps. Dual-Use Pivot – Originally defence-focused, both Athena and Cyborg have expanded into civil applications like perimeter security and underwater robotics. Breaking Into the U.S. – It took 18 months of collaboration with Tomahawk Robotics before landing their first U.S. contract.  UGVs in Warfare – With manpower shortages and the rise of FPV drones, uncrewed ground vehicles offer real mass and casualty reduction potential on the modern battlefield. ——————————————— Learn more about Athena AI and Cyborg Dynamics here: 🔗 Athena AI 🔗 Cyborg Dynamics Engineering Find more on our website: 🌍 www.ttpod.net Follow us on LinkedIn: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/company/ttpod

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• Swarm Troopers & the Future of Drone Warfare with David Hambling

  Summary In this episode we sit down with David Hambling, the author of Swarm Troopers and a prolific Uncrewed systems and tech Journalist, to dive into the rapid evolution of drone warfare. David shares how commercial drone technology has completely outpaced traditional military innovation, leading to a revolution on the battlefield. We discuss the failures of rigid defense procurement systems, the rise of AI-driven drone swarms, and how uncrewed systems are shaping the future of warfare. What really stood out was how drones have become a democratized technology—no longer limited to billion-dollar defense programs but now driven by individuals and small teams in garages, rapidly adapting and innovating. With China poised to make major breakthroughs in uncrewed warfare, the next decade will be a race to keep up, and I can’t help but wonder if Western nations will be able to match the pace. Key Takeaways Drone Warfare’s Rise – In Swarm Troopers (2015), David Hambling predicted the rise of small drones in combat. Today, conflicts like Ukraine confirm how commercial drone tech has reshaped warfare. Procurement Failures – Hambling criticizes Western defense procurement for repeated drone project failures. Meanwhile, Ukraine innovates rapidly, driven by frontline necessity and small startups. Swarming & Autonomy – AI-driven drone swarms are becoming a reality, with Ukraine, Israel, and others already experimenting with coordinated, high-speed attacks. Drone Tech for All – Unlike costly military R&D, drone innovations now come from individuals and small teams, leading to rapid battlefield adaptations like fiber-optic-controlled drones and incendiary ‘Dragon Drones.’ Future of Uncrewed Systems – China is emerging as a leader in drone warfare, developing advanced uncrewed carriers, aerial swarms, and undersea deterrents, challenging Western nations to keep up. Find out more about David at his website: https://www.swarm-troopers.com/ or contact on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-hambling-3037b7a/ You can find more details on our website at: www.ttpod.net/ or follow us on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/ttpod

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• Future War, Tactics & Tech: MAJ GEN Mick Ryan (Rtd) on Lessons from Ukraine and What’s Next

  Episode Summary:  In this episode, we dive into the future of warfare with retired Major General Mick Ryan. As a leader, strategist, and author, Mick brings decades of experience and sharp insights into the evolving battlefield. We explore how uncrewed systems and innovative tactics are shaping modern conflicts like Ukraine and how Australia can prepare for its own future challenges. From leadership development to the urgent need for industrial reform, Mick shares why adapting quickly and thinking strategically are essential for success. This conversation is packed with lessons on how technology and tactics intersect in today’s defense landscape. If you’re passionate about where warfare is headed, this episode is for you. 1. Uncrewed Systems in Modern Warfare: Mick explains how Ukraine’s innovative use of drones and uncrewed systems has transformed the battlefield. He highlights lessons on adapting these technologies for Australia’s unique geography, threat environment, and strategic needs, emphasizing the need for both scalable and effective solutions. 2. Building Adaptive Leadership: The discussion covers the importance of fostering leaders who can learn through failure and adapt quickly in high-pressure situations. Mick underscores how reforms in force structure & training, like those currently happening at Duntroon, are vital to preparing Australia’s next generation of military leaders. 3. Merging Tactics and Technology: Mick emphasizes that winning wars requires excellence in both tactics and technology. He explores how integrating mass, lower-cost uncrewed systems with traditional military assets enhances survivability and lethality, particularly in areas like ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) and strike capabilities. 4. Industrial and Bureaucratic Reform: The conversation identifies Australia’s need to revitalize its industrial base to produce defense technologies rapidly in times of crisis. Mick highlights the barriers posed by rigid bureaucratic processes and calls for bold reforms to create a more agile and collaborative relationship between government, industry, and defense. 5. Strategic Thinking for Middle Powers: Mick shares insights on how non-nuclear nations like Australia can leverage innovative deterrence strategies, such as deploying large numbers of uncrewed systems across air, land, and sea, to create uncertainty for adversaries and enhance national security   Find out more about Mick Ryan's books or other articles on his website: https://mickryan.com.au/ or contact on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mick-ryan-am-ba299540/ You can find more details on our website at: www.ttpod.net/ or follow us on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/ttpod

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• Drone Threats, and the New Jersey Mystery: Inside the World of drone Intel with Mike Monnik

  Episode Summary: In this episode, we explore the cutting-edge world of drone threats and counter-UAS systems with Mike Monnik, founder of DroneSec. From high-tech adversary tactics to the intriguing mystery of recent drone sightings in New Jersey, this episode dives deep into how intelligence shapes the fight for control of the skies. Discover how drones are evolving as tools of both innovation and disruption, and why the battlefield is no longer limited to conflict zones. Whether you’re fascinated by technology, strategy, or the future of aerial security, this episode offers an unprecedented look at the hidden world of drone operations. Key Takeaways: 1. The New Jersey Drone Reports: • Misidentifications, hobbyist drones, and law enforcement operations often get mistaken for hostile or nefarious activity. • Media sensationalism can create unnecessary fear, obscuring the real risks and patterns. 2. Adversary Tactics and Trends: • The rise of fiber-optic cable drones in conflict zones, allowing uninterrupted communication and evasion of countermeasures. • Layered attacks using incendiary and explosive payloads reveal innovative approaches to bypass defenses. 3. The Role of Intelligence in Counter-UAS: • Intelligence is critical for understanding threats, identifying vulnerabilities, and avoiding ineffective countermeasures. • Open-source and underground intelligence gathering sheds light on global drone usage trends. 4. Threat Migration to Civilian Contexts: • Drones are increasingly used for illegal activities like smuggling, prison contraband delivery, and even bushfire arson. • Tactical methods from conflict zones are quickly adapted for use in civilian spaces. 5. Future Trends in Counter-UAS: • Autonomous systems, kinetic solutions, and predictive intelligence will drive the next wave of counter-UAS innovation. • Enhanced public awareness and transparency are essential to demystify drones and mitigate misinformation. Find out more about DroneSec  at their website: https://dronesec.com/ or contact on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/XXXX https://www.linkedin.com/company/dronesec You can find more details on our website at: www.ttpod.net/ or follow us on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/ttpod

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