SPOTLIGHT: Maritime readiness and the evolving AUKUS journey, with Leidos' Kevin Quarderer and ANU's Jennifer Parker

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper speaks with former US naval attaché to Australia and Leidos Australia international science and technology director Kevin Quarderer and leading naval strategist Dr Jennifer Parker, an expert associate at the National Security College - The Australian National University. The trio, appearing from the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition 2025 in Sydney, discuss a range of factors shaping Australia's accelerating maritime focus and the operational realities of the AUKUS trilateral agreement. Both guests note the sharper strategic tone of this year's event, reflecting Canberra's growing recognition that national security will be shaped at sea. They also discuss advanced training pipelines, force protection, maintenance capacity and the reopening of key ports to support US, UK and Australian submarine operations. Logistics emerges as the decisive factor in maritime readiness, with both guests warning that the depth of Australia's replenishment fleet and supplies could constrain maritime operations, particularly as missile consumption rates continue to rise globally. Autonomy remains a major theme, with Quarderer and Parker highlighting its potential to extend reach, enhance survivability and complement crewed platforms. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team