Episode 251: The Future of National Security and AI From a Military Perspective with Zac Staples

The International Risk Podcast

This week Dominic hosts Zac Staples and they dive into how AI-native defence systems are reshaping the battlefield—and why getting this wrong isn’t just bad for business, it’s catastrophic for global stability.

• They discuss the challenges and opportunities AI brings
• What AI's role could be
• How AI can enhance security
• Predictive maintenance and it's strategic importance
• Global security
• Tempest OS
• Nuclear deterrence
• and more!

Zac Staples is a former U.S. Navy officer and the founder and CEO of Fathom5, an industrial defence-technology company headquartered in Austin, Texas. Since 2018 he has led Fathom5 to uninterrupted growth and profitability. Zac and the Fathom5 team are building Brilliant Machines with new actuators, cyber resilient designs, and AI optimization. Among the company’s many accomplishments are the first program of record deployment of AI aboard a Navy warship, 17 fully awarded patents for actuator and cybersecurity technologies, and several examples of accelerating defense innovation.

Before launching Fathom5, Zac served in the U.S. Navy for over two decades. His career of shipboard service culminated in Zac's selection as the Secretary of the Navy’s 2017 “Innovation Catalyst” award winner for pioneering efforts to develop new digital and cyber capabilities. His background steers Fathom5's vision toward tactical edge use cases for defence innovation.

The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical volatility and organised crime, to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you’re a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter.

Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe’s leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner at one of Europe’s leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe's business leaders. Dominic is the go-to business advisor for leaders navigating risk, crisis, and strategy; trusted for his clarity, calmness under pressure, and ability to turn volatility into competitive advantage. Dominic equips today’s business leaders with the insight and confidence to lead through disruption and deliver sustained strategic advantage.

The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.

Follow us on LinkedIn and Subscribe for all our great updates!

Tell us what you liked!

Chapters

1. Introduction to the International Risk Podcast (00:00:00)

2. AI in Defense: Challenges and Opportunities (00:00:44)

3. Current Maritime Conflicts and AI's Role (00:01:52)

4. AI Native Defense Systems: Enhancing Security (00:03:57)

5. Strategic Importance of Predictive Maintenance (00:08:14)

6. Global Security and AI Integration (00:16:33)

7. The Future of Defense: Tempest OS and Beyond (00:27:46)

8. Nuclear Deterrence in the Age of AI (00:33:04)

9. Final Thoughts and Reflections (00:36:49)

10. Conclusion and Farewell (00:38:20)