In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Nova Systems chief executive officer Dean Rosenfield to explore the increasing importance of the defence industry to the nation’s security and why it’s time for an Australian “prime” contractor.

Rosenfield, a highly experienced senior business leader, has more than two decades of defence industry experience and moved from London to Adelaide to take the helm as Nova Systems’ CEO.

He has previously served as senior vice president of Saab AB, group managing director Saab UK and led businesses in Singapore, the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

The pair begin the podcast with a snapshot of the current defence industry environment, its strengths and the challenges it will face. They also discuss the potential role of an Australian prime in shaping national security, sovereignty and clarifying major defence policies.

Rosenfield shares some advice for small-to-medium enterprises navigating the defence industry landscape, funding opportunities and government policy.

Looking backward, the pair assess how corporate Australia navigated defence industry changes during World War II.

Finally, looking forward, Rosenfield reveals his priorities and predictions for the next 12 months.