This episode collects a number of interviews recorded at the Singapore Airshow 2026 during February. The episode starts with Bob Gibbs, Vice President of Global Sales and Strategy at Textron Aviation, who discusses their multi-mission aircraft lineup, how they support military clients with upgrades, sensor integration and mission-specific modifications, and also an update on the SkyCourier.
=—-=
Next up is Terry van Haren from DroneShield who shares his background as a retired Air Commodore with extensive experience in counter-drone technology development. We discuss how DroneShield is expanding rapidly into the Asia-Pacific market, including Singapore and Southeast Asia. Terry notes that their focus is on protecting critical infrastructure from drone threats.
=—-=
Moving to eVTOL aircraft, Jason O'Neill and Phil Kelly give us an insight into Horizon Aircraft’s innovative hybrid eVTOL aircraft design and a look at the military applications of their system, including commando insertions and logistics support. They also discuss its hybrid power systems, certification process, and noise reduction compared to helicopters.
=—-=
Next up is Eric Brock, the founder, CEO and Chairman of Ondas Inc, who talks to us about their counter-drone technology and system-of-systems approach for defense and security. We discuss how Ondas integrates aerial drones, ground vehicles and counter-drone systems into a unified architecture to protect military installations and respond to drone threats.
=—-=
We wrap up the episode with Mike Hanlin, ShieldAI's Senior Director of International Strategy. He discusses the company's advancements in military autonomy technology, their recent partnerships with GE for F110 engines, integration of micro missiles onto their VBAT (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) UAS, and their expansion into Asia-Pacific markets like Singapore. He notes that the company emphasizes accelerating development due to battlefield needs observed in Ukraine.
">
Links:
Textron Aviation's special mission aircraft
https://specialmissions.txtav.com/en/multi-mission
DroneShield
https://www.droneshield.com/
Horizon Aircraft
https://www.horizonaircraft.com/
Ondas
https://www.ondas.com/?lang=en
Shield AI
https://shield.ai/
------------------
The ADM Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Australian Defence Magazine, a Yaffa Media title (www.australiandefence.com.au).
The views of the people appearing on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Australian Defence Magazine, the Department of Defence or the guests' employer.
If you wish to use any of this podcast's audio, please contact Australian Defence Magazine via their website www.australiandefence.com.au or email them via defmag@yaffa.com.au to get involved.
ADM Podcasts are a blend of public interest journalism and sponsored content with a focus on the Defence community. Conversations with leaders and thinkers from a range of backgrounds including academia, Defence, industry, and associations. ADM Podcasts aims to educate, explain and explore some of the bigger issues around Defence.
For sponsored content opportunities, please contact ADM Associate Publisher Kylie Leonard and/or National Sales Manager Michael Flanagan.
Hosted by Grant McHerron
Producer: Steve Visscher
Australian Defence Magazine - © 2026