Steve Baxter on the Karl Stefanovic Show

In a powerful and unfiltered conversation on The Karl Stefanoic Show, Beaten Zone Venture Partners Founder and former Australian Army solider Steve Baxter delivers a stark assessment of modern warfare – and Australia’s urgent need to wake up.

From Ukrainian soldiers assembling lethal drones in minutes with a glue gun and off the shelf parts, to battlefield ‘marketplaces’ where precision weapons are sourced like everyday goods, Steve brings the front-line reality into sharp focus. He explores the gamification of conflict, the decisive role of AI, autonomy, and space technology, and the uncomfortable truth that Australia is falling behind in building the sovereign capabilities we will need.

With characteristic directness, Steve makes the case that we can no longer afford the watch our best defence and space talent emigrate. Backing homegrown innovation is not optional – it is existential for our national security.

This is essential listening for anyone who understands that the next chapter of Australia’s defence story must be written by bold investment in our own innovators.

📺 Watch the full episode –> Shark Tank’s Steve Baxter: “A soldier with a glue gun can build a drone in 45 minutes.” – YouTube

📺 Watch the highlights / mashup –> Ben Roberts Smith On Trial & Defences Dirty Little Secret – YouTube