Allies in Innovation

• 16: Above Earth is the New Cyber Battlefield

  IntroductionA single malware attack once took down more than 6,000 wind turbines in Germany and disrupted satellite networks across Europe. What began as a cyber strike on Ukraine exposed something far bigger: how vulnerable our space infrastructure really is.In this episode of Allies in Innovation, host Mikkel Svold talks with Olga Nasibullina, co-founder of A42 and TheSign.Media, and Augusto Mattos Schaedle, Senior Director and Head of Space R&D at Terma Group. Together, they explore how cyberattacks can reach satellites, ground stations, and communication networks, and why space has become the new digital frontline. They also discuss lessons from the VSAT incident, the challenge of securing legacy systems, and the urgent need to train a new generation of specialists in space cybersecurity. Because protecting space is no longer just about rockets and satellites, but about safeguarding the systems that connect life on Earth.In this episode, you'll learn about:Why space technology is essential to modern life.How the VSAT cyberattack reshaped global thinking on satellite security.Key vulnerabilities across the satellite lifecycle.How Terma integrates cybersecurity by design into space missions.Why legacy satellites are difficult to secure.The growing need for education and training in space cybersecurity.The double-edged role of AI in developing secure space systems.Episode Content 00:00 Why space technology matters and how dependent we are on it00:56 The VSAT cyberattack that exposed space vulnerabilities02:13 Introducing guests Olga Nasibullina and Augusto Mattos Schaedle03:25 How satellite technology affects communication, navigation, and agriculture04:31 Why space security concerns everyday life, not just defense05:31 Lessons learned from the VSAT incident08:07 The full lifecycle of vulnerabilities in satellite systems09:47 How Terma builds cybersecurity into missions from the start13:29 Protecting legacy satellites through secure ground systems14:54 Why governments need more training in space cybersecurity16:51 The shortage of specialists and the need for new education programs19:07 The ethical use of AI in space security and software development ProductionThis podcast is brought to you by Terma. This podcast is produced by Montanus.

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• 15: When Drones Slip Past the Radar

  A drone buzzes low over a restricted zone. It’s too small to spot on radar, too fast to intercept in time. It’s not science fiction. It’s happening right now, at nuclear plants, power grids and government offices.In this episode, host Mikkel Svold talks with Karsten Marrup from the Royal Danish Defense College and Lasse Due Jørgensen from Terma, a global leader in drone defense tech. They break down how drones are pushing past old security systems and what’s actually working to stop them.We get into real-world tactics, the limits of current tech and how AI fits into the picture. The future has arrived faster than expected, and it’s up to us to meet it head-on.In this episode, you'll learn about:1. Types of drones national security must counter.2. Why different drones need different countermeasures.3. How critical infrastructure protects against drone threats.4. Impact of hybrid warfare on critical infrastructure.5. Challenges of leveling the field with scalable counter systems.6. Role of AI in evolving drone threats.Episode Content 01:55 Different types of drones and their purposes06:18 Drones for critical infrastructure protection08:00 Understanding motives behind drone activities09:24 Challenges in detecting and countering drones11:00 Radar limitations for small drones explained13:53 Building a layered defense approach17:27 Prioritizing critical infrastructure protection strategies19:48 Mitigating threats from cheap drones22:45 Importance of passive air defense measures26:16 Exploring hybrid warfare and its implications29:47 Cybersecurity and space operations questions to consider34:15 Future of drone technology and defense strategieProductionThis podcast is brought to you by Terma. This podcast is produced by Montanus.

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• 14: Preparing for Q-Day: Cybersecurity in the Age of Quantum and AI

  Cyber security is no longer an afterthought. Cyber threads are now shaping the foundation of defense and critical infrastructure systems. At the same time, emerging technologies like quantum computing and AI are accelerating faster than expected, bringing both opportunities and risks.In this episode of Allies in Innovation, host Mikkel Svold sits down once again with Samant Khajuria, Vice President of Quantum and Cyber at Terma. They revisit the evolving cyber landscape, explore how defense organizations are preparing for “Q-Day” (when quantum computers can break today’s encryption), and discuss the crucial role of collaboration in staying ahead. They also cover practical challenges, from legacy systems to shifting standards, and explain why cyber needs to be integrated from the very first design stage and not added later.If you want to understand how the defense industry is gearing up for disruptive technologies, this episode will give you a front-row seat.In this episode, you'll learn about:Why cyber is moving from “add-on” to a core design requirement.How NATO standards are shaping interoperability across defense systems.The convergence of cyber, AI, and quantum - and the risks of misuse.The looming quantum threat: “harvest now, decrypt later.”How post-quantum cryptography and quantum key distribution could secure the future.Real-world challenges in transitioning legacy systems.The importance of partnerships and joint strategies in Europe and beyond.Why quantum sensing might become a game-changer in the next five years.Episode Content00:00 Introduction to Cyber and Quantum with Samant Khajuria01:54 Cybersecurity as a fundamental requirement in defense and infrastructure03:29 The shift from “add-on” security to built-in resilience05:41 Disruptive technologies: cyber, AI, quantum, and their dual-use risks08:58 Collaboration and partnerships to keep pace with rapid innovation09:38 Preparing for Q-Day: harvest now, decrypt later10:52 Post-quantum cryptography and quantum key distribution in practice12:47 Challenges of legacy systems and new cyber standards15:09 Roadmap: proof-of-concepts and quantum key exchange projects16:42 How smaller organizations can prepare for cyber and quantum threats18:06 Quantum sensing and other non-cyber applications of quantum tech19:40 Looking ahead: strategy, digitization, and reducing red tapeProductionThis podcast is brought to you by Terma. This podcast is produced by Montanus.

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• 13: How Space Communication Changed with Software-Defined Radio

  How do you keep communication systems in space agile, secure, and mission-ready? Software-defined radio (SDR) might be your best answer.In this episode of Allies in Innovation, host Mikkel Svold talks with Andreas Stren, lecturer at the University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt, and Alexander Spaniol, RF engineer at Terma. They break down how SDR shifts control from hardware to software, enables remote updates, faster adjustments to mission demands, and better risk management.They also get into real-world SDR use cases, cybersecurity challenges, and why the tech could be a game-changer for ground stations and smaller space operators.If you’re into the current or future space communication systems, this one’s worth a listen.In this episode, you'll learn about:Key benefits of software-defined radio in space missions.How SDR enhances flexibility and re-configurability for satellites.Overcoming SDR challenges: radiation effects and cybersecurity.The role of virtualization in satellite communication solutions.Future prospects: cost-effective and accessible ground stationsEpisode Content00:00 Introduction to Software-Defined Radio and Guests  00:47 What is Software-Defined Radio (SDR)?  01:43 Transition from Hardware to Software-Defined Systems  03:15 Advantages of Reduced Hardware in Space Missions  05:39 Flexibility and Reconfigurability in SDR Applications  08:12 Risks and Challenges of Using SDRs in Space  12:33 Cybersecurity Concerns in Software-Defined Systems  14:07 Connection Between SDR and Virtualization  16:22 Cost-Effectiveness of Virtualized Ground Stations  17:22 Educational Impact of SDR in Aerospace Training  28:42 Future Trends in SDR for Communication ServicesProductionThis podcast is brought to you by Terma.This podcast is produced by Montanus.ProductionThis podcast is brought to you by Terma. This podcast is produced by Montanus.

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• 12: Rearming Europe: how we defend the continent

  Is Europe ready for the next wave of security threats?With Denmark stepping into the EU presidency and war still raging in Ukraine, defense strategy across the continent is under pressure to adapt. In this episode, host Mikkel Svold speaks with Christine Nissen, Chief Analyst at Think Tank Europa, and Séverin Schnepp, Associate Director at Terma, to uncover Denmark’s growing role, the EU’s shifting posture, and defense industry readiness.Can Europe act together?Are current capabilities enough?And what should the defense sector expect?**In this episode, you'll learn about:**Denmark's EU presidency and its impact on European security.How EU defense policies are shaped during presidencies.Denmark's shifting stance on EU defense cooperation.Balancing conventional and unconventional security threats in Europe.Industry and government roles in defense capability development.Importance of collaboration in European defense strategies.## Episode Content01:17 Overview of EU Presidency and its significance03:04 Influence of Denmark on the EU agenda05:12 Historical skepticism of Denmark towards EU defense09:30 Industry perspective on changing defense dynamics13:05 Public sentiment regarding EU defense cooperation15:39 Upcoming agendas for Denmark's EU Presidency18:43 Budgeting goals and legislative conclusions for defense21:51 Ready for conflict by 2030: key concerns25:17 Addressing conventional and unconventional threats31:38 Future of European defense collaboration strategies34:47 Top priorities for Denmark during the presidency## ProductionThis podcast is brought to you by Terma.This podcast is produced by Montanus.ProductionThis podcast is brought to you by Terma. This podcast is produced by Montanus.

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