THEATRETTE PROGRAM
Wednesday 24 JULY | Thursday 25 July | FRIDAY 26 July
Free to attend and open to all attendees.
Located on the exhibition floor, the Indian Ocean Defence & Security (IODS) 2024 Theatrette Program will host presentations from IODS 2024 sponsors as subject matter experts, to an engaged audience of industry attendees.
The program will become a platform for vision, insights and solutions to the questions currently being posed by relevant decision makers, surrounding AUKUS and the Quad.
A full program of speakers will be released in due course.
Speaker presentations will take place in the Theatrette at IODS 2024 from 1100 – 1400 on Wednesday 24 July and Thursday 25 July.
On Friday 26 July, the Theatrette will play host to the Indian Ocean Defence & Security 2024 Innovation Awards.
Program
WEDNESDAY 24 JULY
Cyber, space and the contested environment
Keeping AUKUS Submariners Safe – Western Australia as an Indian Ocean Submarine Rescue Hub The signing of the AUKUS Agreement, the establishment of Submarine Rotational Force – West and the introduction into service of Australian Virginia class and ultimately locally-built AUKUS nuclear powered submarines, provides an ideal opportunity to establish Western Australia as an AUKUS Indian Ocean Submarine Rescue Hub. It could also pave the way to taking a standardised and fully interoperable global approach to AUKUS submarine rescue operations not only in the Indian Ocean, but also in the Pacific and Euro-Atlantic submarine operating areas. Perth, home of Australian submarine escape and rescue capabilities for more than two decades, is well placed to host a combined regional AUKUS submarine rescue capability at the recently completed purpose-built submarine rescue facility at Henderson. Moreover, an AUKUS submarine rescue facility in Western Australia could also become a regional centre of excellence for submarine escape and rescue doctrine and training in the broader Indo-Pacific region in close cooperation with our regional friends and allies. This thought provoking presentation, which takes a strategic approach to submarine rescue, would be delivered by Dr Allan du Toit, Rear Admiral, RAN (Retd), Chair of James Fisher Defence (JFD), Australia, and Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the University of New South Wales, Canberra.
This presentation will consider the potential for future multinational collaboration, including the expansion of participation in AUKUS Pillar 2, and the Quad. Using maritime capability development as a lens, we will assess the implications of closer cooperation under these constructs, and the interactions between this activity and existing operational and development organisations. In addition, this presentation will propose a framework with which to assess the alignment and attractiveness of international defence developmental partners, and highlight some of the pitfalls and challenges that might occur if not mitigated.
THURSDAY 25 JULY
As an AUKUS partner, Australia must demonstrate that it is a trusted steward of nuclear technologies so that it can design, build, and operate some of the world’s most mature and sophisticated nuclear-powered submarines and supporting infrastructure. Safety is inherent in the nuclear industry. A safety-led approach is used to ensure that safety informs all decisions at every stage of the process, from design to disposal. To be a nuclear steward, Australia needs to establish the entire eco-system to manage the full life cycle of a nuclear capability, at the scale required. The Regulator will use a staged licensing approach to support this.
An informative, videographic talk about Rafael's air-defense technologies and capabilities, including its overview on multi-layered air & missile defense architecture, as well as on precision-strike technologies and solutions. The talk will further expound on innovations and how new technological trends may be applied in the battlefield, as well as on how to integrate new technologies and capabilities into existing systems and architectures. The talk will be enriched by Rafael's recent contributions to facing challenges in defending Israel's population and strategic assets in light of the unprecedented long-range strategic attacks the country had to face.
Curtin University's National Resilience and Security Program Office (NRAS) is dedicated to advancing Australia's national resilience amidst complex geopolitical dynamics. Through strategic collaborations with faculty, school leaders, and academics, NRAS identifies cutting-edge research opportunities and fosters workforce development initiatives with viable funding models. Curtin, renowned for its educational excellence and technological expertise, supports AUKUS Pillars 1 and 2 readiness by spearheading advancements in workforce skills, cutting-edge research contributions and innovative solutions. Addressing ethical considerations and engaging the public ensures responsible deployment of new capabilities, while enhancing societal acceptance. Curtin aims to showcase Western Australia's world-class capabilities, fostering sustainable models that translate into tangible impacts across workforce development, research, and innovation, and driving transformative outcomes for stakeholders.
FRIDAY 26 JULY
With the push for Australian industry to produce its own sovereign capability, it is now more important than ever to foster new thought, innovative technologies and the development of ideas.
The Indian Ocean Defence & Security 2024 Innovation Awards are designed to highlight and reward Australians at the forefront of new technology by giving them a platform to present their products and ideas at the Indian Ocean Defence & Security (IODS) 2024 conference and exhibition.
Australian organisations and individuals submit their innovation, which could be at various stages of development, to one of three categories:
- Indian Ocean Defence & Security 2024 Innovation Award
- Indian Ocean Defence & Security 2024 Emerging Technology Award
- Indian Ocean Defence & Security 2024 Young Innovator Award
Submissions that are the result of a collaborative effort, may also enter the additional category:
- Indian Ocean Defence & Security 2024 Collaborative Innovation Award
Finalists will pitch their innovations to an international audience of potential partners, investors and customers at IODS 2024 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday 26 July with the category winners announced onsite at the event. Along with a trophy, winners will be awarded a cash prize of $10,000 to help with the next step of bringing their innovation to realisation.
SPEAKERS
Michael Formosa
Managing Partner
Renaissance Strategic Advisors
Michael Formosa is in charge of global business operations of Renaissance Strategic Advisors, an aerospace, defence and security consultancy specialising in assisting clients address their most complex and critical issues.
With 30 years of experience in international business planning and expansion, Michael’s expertise covers M&A industry due diligence, R&D pipeline prioritisation and development, regulatory risk analysis, and market prioritisation and capture. He has led over 350 consulting engagements on behalf of government departments and companies throughout the value chain, from component manufacturers to prime contractors. Michael advises clients on internationalisation and ‘home market’ strategies, industrial collaboration, transfer of technology/local participation, and foreign direct (capital) investment.
In addition to speaking regularly at various industry fora, Michael has served as an expert witness in US federal court; provided testimony to the UK House of Commons Defence Select Committee on industrial policy; to the Defence Sub Committee and House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee on foreign ownership in the supply chain, contributed to the Dunne Review on UK prosperity, and comments on defence and security issues for media outlets.
Before joining Renaissance, Michael was director of Jane's Strategic Advisory Services in London and was responsible for business relationships throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia/ Pacific. For Jane’s, Michael managed bespoke market forecasting, price modelling, competitive, and commercial due diligence projects. He delivered strategic recommendations to senior- and board-level executives across a range of international aerospace and defence firms.
Michael has an MSc in international affairs with a concentration in social and economic development from the New School for Social Research in New York.
Izaak Gurney
Senior Program Manager, Space Cyber and Information Systems
KBR
Izaak Gurney is KBR’s Senior Program Manager, Space Cyber and Information Systems. He joined KBR in 2023 after more than six years of service in the Royal Australian Navy and four years with Defence.
Career highlights include – Graduated from the Australian Defence Force Academy with a Bachelor of Science with Distinction, receiving the RAN Dux of Science and the Megan Anne Pelly Award.
Posting to HMAS Newcastle in 2018 and participated in Exercise Kakadu, Ocean Explorer, AUSINDEX and Indo Pacific Endeavour, before decommissioning HMAS Newcastle. Aide de Camp to Chief Joint Operations in 2022, supporting multiple overseas engagements and several domestic and overseas operational taskings. 2022 selection by the Chief of Navy to represent the RAN in the Australian American Leadership Dialogue (Young Leaders Dialogue) Program. Izaak also has a Masters of Cyber Security through UNSW.
Gary Hale
Director, NRAS Program Office and Chief Security Officer
Curtin University
Gary Hale holds the position of Director for the National Resilience & Security Program Office (NRAS) and Chief Security Officer (CSO) at Curtin University. In this capacity, he is tasked with fortifying the university's infrastructure to foster resilient and sustainable world-class science and innovation partnerships. His role is pivotal in developing nationally significant sovereign capabilities for Australia. Gary oversees the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) and is instrumental in expanding the Defence and Space research portfolio through strategic collaborations with government and industry stakeholders. His extensive expertise in space, defence, digital, and cyber domains, combined with a vast network of professional contacts, enables him to cultivate a secure and resilient environment for scientific and innovative pursuits. Gary’s primary objective is to support and enhance strategic partnerships with governmental, defence, industrial, civil, and academic entities, thereby advancing Curtin University's mission to lead in critical research and development initiatives.
Dr Joanne Lackenby
Consultant
KBR, as part of the Frazer-Nash Consultancy
Dr Joanne Lackenby (Jo) has 15 years’ experience in the Australian nuclear sector, the majority at the OPAL research reactor at ANSTO. Here she specialised in nuclear safety, licensing and regulation, and was also involved in the repatriation of radioactive waste from reprocessing. She recently joined Frazer-Nash Consultancy where she continues to provide nuclear expertise, including in radioactive waste management.
Jo is a TEDxSydney speaker and holds degrees in environmental and geotechnical engineering. Jo holds degrees in environmental and geotechnical engineering.
Dr Allan du Toit AM
Chairman
JFD Australia
Dr Allan du Toit AM, Chair of JFD Australia, retired from full time naval service as a Rear Admiral in 2016.
He commanded HMAS Tobruk during peacekeeping operations in Bougainville, the Australian Amphibious Task Group, the multi-national maritime interception force enforcing UN sanctions against Iraq, Combined Task Force 158 in the Persian Gulf, and Border Protection Command.
He also served in a wide range of single-service and joint appointments ashore, including as Australia’s military representative to NATO in Brussels. Allan has written and lectured on historical and contemporary naval affairs both in Australia and abroad and is an adjunct senior lecturer and member of the Naval Studies Group at UNSW Canberra. He served as President of the Australian Naval Institute from 2011-13.
Gideon Weiss
Corporate Vice President International Business Development
RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd
Gideon Weiss Corporate Vice President International Business Development RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.
In October 2021, Mr. Gideon Weiss was appointed as Corporate Vice President for International Business Development, after completing over four years as Vice President for business development, marketing and strategy, at Rafael’s Air & C4 ISR Systems Division (2017-2021). In this new role, Mr. Weiss is responsible for leading, directing and coordinating marketing, business development and sales activities across Rafael’s international markets, working with Rafael’s three business divisions, country managers and international representations.
Previously, from July 2011 until August of 2017, Mr. Weiss served as Vice President for Business Development at RAFAEL USA, Inc., out of Bethesda MD, a US company representing Rafael in the US. Mr. Weiss joined Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. in 1993, working numerous business development, marketing and sales projects including contract negotiations, industry cooperation and teaming agreements in the areas of airto-air missiles, tactical missiles, naval and electronic warfare systems, directed energy, airto-surface systems and Ballistic Missile Defense. Mr. Weiss graduated the Israeli Air Force Flight Academy with honors in 1985 as a fighter pilot. During his ten years of active service, Mr. Weiss flew Kfir C-7s, A-4 Skyhawks and in most of his career F-15s, where he earned over 2,500 flight hours. During his service at his operational F-15 squadron, Mr. Weiss commanded the graduate fighter training phase at the IAF Flight Academy and served in various commanding posts, including deputy squadron commander.
From 1993 until 2011, during his work at Rafael, Mr. Weiss continued to serve as an active reserve F-15 pilot and held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Mr. Weiss studied mechanical engineering and business administration at the Tefen College, Upper Galilee. His hobbies include running, cycling, swimming, folk-dancing and woodworking. Mr. Weiss is married to Dorit Weiss and they have four children
Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC)