How the Belgian Navy Is Reinventing Mine Warfare | Drones, NATO & Undersea Security
How do you protect the world’s busiest waterways from one of the oldest — and most dangerous — weapons at sea? In this episode, Defence Director Harry Macleod speaks with Captain Kristof Van Belleghem, Chief od Staff of The Belgian Navy, about how belgium is transforming mine countermeasures through cutting-edge technology and close cooperation with […]
Inside Italy’s Secret Submarine Rescue Unit | How NATO Saves Crews Trapped Beneath the Sea
What happens when a submarine becomes trapped hundreds of meters beneath the ocean? In this episode, Defence Director Harry Macleod sits down with Captain Andrea Molaschi, Chief of the Italian Navy’s Submarine Escape and Rescue Service, to explore one of the most demanding missions in modern naval operations. From life-or-death rescue procedures and seep-sea engineering […]
How the US Navy Is Preparing for the Next Undersea Conflict
What does it take to command oe of the world’s most important submarine forces? In this episode, Defence Director Harry Macleod sits down with Rear Admiral Melvin Smith, Commander of the U.S. Navy Submarine Group Two, to discuss the strategic importance of undersea warfare and the challenges of shaping the future of naval operations. From […]
Why Military Logistics Will Decide the Next Conflict | Captain Bill Miante
What keeps a navy fighting when it’s thousands of miles from home? Harry Macleod sits down with Captain Bill Miante, Deputy Commodore of Military Sealift Command Europe & Africa, to explore the critical role logistics plays in sustaining modern naval operations. From refuelling warships at sea to supporting multinational operations across Europe and Africa, Captain Mionte explains how Military Sealift Command enables the U.S. Navy and its allies to project power far from home. He also shares his perspective on the future of maritime logistics, autonomous resupply, and the growing importance of allied cooperation. In this episode: Why logistics is a strategic capability—not just a support function How Military Sealift Command sustains naval operations across Europe and Africa Working with NATO allies and international partners The future of autonomous logistics and resupply at sea Why uncrewed systems will transform military sustainment The challenges of maintaining global maritime readiness Whether you’re interested in naval operations, defence strategy, or military innovation, this conversation offers an inside look at the systems that keep fleets operating when it matters most. Host: Harry Macleod Guest: Captain Bill Miante, Deputy Commodore, Military Sealift Command Europe & Africa
Leaving NATO: Admiral Sir Keith Blount on Russia, Defence Spending & Why the Alliance Is Stronger Than You Think
Former NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe Admiral Sir Keith Blount joins Harry Macleod for one of his final interviews before retiring after 42 years of military service. From commanding operations across the Middle East to helping shape NATO’s response to a resurgent Russia, Admiral Blount reflects on a career spent at the highest levels […]
Securing Europe’s Seas: Belgium’s Modern Minehunter Revolution
How do you replace a fleet that’s kept Europe’s waters safe for forty years? Rear Admiral Carl Gillis reveals how Belgium and the Netherlands are writing the next chapter together—launching the RMCM programme to deliver twelve state-of-the-art mine countermeasures vessels, packed with new technology and ready to meet the threats of tomorrow. Hear how global […]
Digital Twins & Autonomy: How the Gulf is Modernising its Naval Forces
How do digital twins and autonomy move from buzzwords to game-changers? Captain Ali Ashour (Kuwait Ministry of Interior) explains why these technologies are at the heart of the Gulf’s modern naval ambitions. Drawing on his unique roles—Kuwaiti officer, academic, BAE Systems research partner, and UK policy adviser— Captain Ali Ashour explores how digital twinning and […]
FADS: How the Royal Navy Is Reinventing Air Defence for a New Era
Hypersonic missiles and swarms of uncrewed systems are changing the rules at sea—and the Royal Navy is responding in kind. Commodore Michael Wood, Programme Director, lifts the lid on FADS (Future Air Dominance System): a radical step-change from traditional destroyers to a truly networked system of systems. Discover how the Royal Navy is moving beyond […]
Building the Future Fleet: Turkey’s Drive for Maritime Mastery
Turkey’s Navy is making waves, not just in West Asia but across the globe. Rear Admiral (UH) Erdinç Yetkìn, Commander of Istanbul Naval Shipyard, reveals how a bold push for domestic shipbuilding is transforming the fleet—from drone-carrying assault ships to the nation’s very first aircraft carrier. Discover the inside story of Turkey’s booming naval industry, […]
Operation Atalanta: How Europe’s Navy Is Defending Trade on the High Seas
In a world where global trade relies on safe shipping lanes, Operation Atalanta stands as Europe’s frontline defence at sea. Vice Admiral Serrano, current commander of this vital mission, explains how the operation has evolved from fighting piracy to tackling a much broader range of maritime security threats across the Indian Ocean and Red Sea. […]