Since inception, the WA DEFENCE REVIEW team has steadily grown to encompass a stable of well-regarded and experienced professionals, whose expertise and contributions are integral to the delivery of the high-quality products and services that our clients and stakeholders within the local and national defence sector have come to depend upon.
Founder | CEO | Principal Editor
Editor-at-Large | Resources Sector Correspondent
Associate Editor | Senior Correspondent
Associate Editor | Senior Correspondent
Legal Counsel
Executive Officer
Contributing Editor | Security Analyst | Defence Writer
Senior Correspondent
Senior Correspondent
Senior Correspondent
Senior Defence Writer
Editorial Assistant | Defence Writer
Events Co-Host
Events Co-Host
Events Co-Host
Lead Photographer
Editor – Video Channel
Business Development Consultant
Business Development Consultant
Business Development Consultant
Business Development Consultant
Business Development Consultant
Business Development Consultant
Editorial Assistant | Defence Writer
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Serge DeSilva-Ranasinghe
Founder | CEO | Principal Editor
Serge DeSilva-Ranasinghe is the author of over 500 articles on topics spanning strategic policy, geo-politics, political risk, maritime security, military affairs, transnational security and defence industry.
He has interviewed numerous senior political, government, military and industry figures, with his work featured in publications such as The Diplomat, Harvard International Review, Forbes Asia, Jane’s Defence Weekly, Jane’s Intelligence Review, Military Technology, NAVAL FORCES, The Australian, Australian Financial Review and many more.
He has appeared on radio and television, chaired dozens of events and been invited to deliver presentations for organisations such as the Committee for the Economic Development of Australia (CEDA), Australasian Council of Security Professionals, Australian Defence College, Special Operations Command, Defence Imagery and Geospatial Organisation and numerous others.
Serge is an Associate of Security Professionals Australasia, an honorary fellow with the National Security Institute, University of Canberra, is an Ambassador for the Veterans’ Transition Centre Jarrahdale, and is the former President of the Australian Industry & Defence Network of WA.
Ross Louthean
Editor-at-Large | Resources Sector Correspondent
Ross commenced his journalistic career writing for Perth newspapers before moving to The Whyalla News and then the ABC in Port Pirie before transferring to ABC News Kalgoorlie at the start of the nickel boom.
He re-joined the Daily News in that era. Then, after editing The Australian Miner for Maxwell Newton, Ross started The National Miner for Lang Hancock and launched the Register of Australian Mining, subsequently with Kerry Packer ASX-listed the Resource Information Unit, and also wrote weekly columns for Australian Business and Bulletin magazines.
Ross started Louthean Media, which later became Paydirt Media, before becoming a freelancer for London’s Mining Journal and Canada’s Northern Miner.
He then edited The AusIMM Bulletin and former publications and was involved with the Diggers & Dealers Forum from inception.
Since 2017, Ross has remained a key advisor to WA DEFENCE REVIEW and joined the Editorial Advisory Group in 2021.
From 2023 onwards, Ross joined WA DEFENCE REVIEW as the Editor-at-Large and Resources Sector Correspondent.
Emma Kelly
Associate Editor | Senior Correspondent
As a senior Perth-based freelance journalist with significant expertise in aviation and space affairs, Emma’s career in journalism spans over 30 years.
Emma was the former news editor of Flight International and editor of Inmarsat’s Aeronautical Satellite News. She continues to write for publications worldwide, including RotorHub, Inflight, LARA, Regional Gateway, Asian Aviation, Airports International and Air Traffic Management.
Her aviation articles also regularly appear in the travel section of The West Australian, covering topics including aircraft interiors, airport biometrics, sustainable aviation fuels, and advanced air mobility.
Being recognised for her journalistic achievements, Emma most recently was a recipient of an Outstanding Achievement Award and the Best Rotorcraft/Vertical Flight Award in the Aerospace Media Awards Asia 2024, presented at the Singapore Airshow.
In 2023, Emma joined WA DEFENCE REVIEW as an Associate Editor and Senior Correspondent.
Leighton G. Luke
Associate Editor | Senior Correspondent
Leighton is a security and international relations analyst with particular interest and expertise on both the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific regions.
He has a Master of Philosophy (Defence and Strategic Studies) from Massey University (NZ) and a Master of Arts (Translation and Linguistics) from the University of Western Sydney. Furthermore, he has a Bachelor of Arts (Language Studies) and was awarded a place on the Faculty Honour Roll at Edith Cowan University.
In addition, Leighton has a diploma in French language studies issued by the French government (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) and has also studied Spanish and Portuguese.
For 13 years, Leighton was the Manager of the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific Research Programmes at the think-tank Future Directions International (FDI), and has written over 300 articles and researched a wide variety of topics, including international relations, maritime security, geo-politics, regional security, and economic and trade issues.
Among Leighton’s more significant contributions to the FDI publication programme, he project managed and contributed to the major publications Indian Ocean: A Sea of Uncertainty and The Indian Ocean Region: A Framework for Australian Policy Options.
In addition, his work has been published in a number of print and online publications in Australia and overseas. Examples include Asia Pacific Security Magazine, the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs International Review, the South Asian Tribune and the Kenya-based Daily Nation and several other African-based publications, such as Your Botswana, Times of Swaziland and Seychelles Nation.
Throughout his tenure at FDI, Leighton engaged frequently in briefings with senior professionals from across the spectrum of politics, government, Defence, diplomacy and academia.
He has chaired and co-chaired numerous research workshops and guest speaker events and assisted in the management and administration of the second Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Indian Ocean Dialogue held in Perth in September 2015.
Recognised for his subject matter expertise, Leighton has been interviewed on Indian Ocean region geo-politics by ABC Radio National and RTR FM Perth and, in 2012, spoke of the growing importance of the Indian Ocean region before the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade’s Inquiry into the Significance of the Indian Ocean Rim for Australia.
In 2022, Leighton joined WA DEFENCE REVIEW as an Associate Editor and Senior Correspondent.
Guy Provan
Legal Counsel
Guy is the Principal of Provan Legal and a senior lawyer with over 35 years’ experience in the fields of intellectual property and technology law.
Guy’s extensive qualifications and experience include being a graduate of Edinburgh University and admitted as a solicitor in Scotland in 1987; three years in London working with intellectual property lawyers Bristows; 10 years with Parker & Parker/Freehills, one of Australia’s largest and most prestigious law firms; five years working with boutique IP law firms Watermark and Wrays; and now operating his own legal practice.
His areas of practice include intellectual property litigation and dispute resolution, particularly in the Federal Court jurisdiction, involving patent, design, copyright and trademark disputes, and advice on intellectual property licensing, commercialisation and strategy.
In 2024, Guy joined WA DEFENCE REVIEW as Legal Counsel.
Stephen Bunce
Contributing Editor | Security Analyst | Defence Writer
Stephen Bunce is a Defence Writer and Security Analyst with over 10 years’ experience specialising in defence and industry, national security, and international relations.
Completing his Bachelor of Arts degree at Curtin University in 2013, Stephen went on to successfully undertake his Masters of International Relations at the Australian National University in 2016.
His professional work experience included a tenure spanning three years as a Research Associate with Risk Intelligence Solutions, a Perth-based consultancy specialising in geo-political estimates, and political and security risk assessments.
Similarly, and since inception in 2017, Stephen has remained actively engaged with WA DEFENCE REVIEW in roles that are integral to the organisation, specifically as a Defence Writer, Security Analyst, Sub-Editor and an Associate Editor. In 2024, his role has advanced further in responsibility and seniority to that of Managing Editor.
Stephen’s contribution to WA DEFENCE REVIEW has been significant, not only in ensuring quality assurance standards, distribution management and editorial support, but also as an author of numerous articles and interviews conducted with senior political, government, military and industry figures in Australia and overseas, which have been published in the WA DEFENCE REVIEW Annual Publication and other notable publications such as European Security and Defence.
Deborah Evans
Senior Correspondent
In addition to being a senior research consultant, Deborah has experience as a university lecturer, tutor and sessional academic.
Since completing her Bachelor of Science (Security) and Master of Science (Interdisciplinary Studies), Deborah is now a PhD candidate at Edith Cowan University, undertaking research into autonomous weapons systems.
Both her professional and research interests principally focus on emerging technologies and artificial intelligence policy, biodefence, biosecurity, defence and international security.
In 2024, Deborah joined WA DEFENCE REVIEW as a Senior Correspondent.
Dr Peter Layton
Senior Correspondent
Peter is a Visiting Fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute, Griffith University; a Royal United Services Institute (UK) Associate Fellow; and a Fellow of the Australian Security Leaders Climate Group.
He has extensive aviation and defence experience including flying fast jets and maritime patrol, force development, major equipment projects and as a defence attaché. For his work at the Pentagon on force structure matters, he was awarded the US Secretary of Defense’s Exceptional Public Service Medal.
In addition, he holds a doctorate from the University of New South Wales on grand strategy and has lectured at the Eisenhower School, National Defense University (Washington); the Australian War College (Canberra), the Royal College of Defence Studies (London), the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (New Delhi) and other reputable institutions.
He previously undertook a Fellowship at the European University Institute, Fiesole, Italy, and has won the Royal United Services Institute’s annual Trench Gascoigne Prize for original writing on contemporary issues of defence and international security.
Being widely published in Australia and internationally, Peter has appeared on ABC News, CNN, CNA (Channel NewsAsia), Sky News, Ticker News, ABC Radio National, Radio 4BC, The Project (Australian and New Zealand editions) and others.
Peter’s research interests include grand strategy; national security policies, particularly relating to middle powers; defence force structure concepts and the impacts of emerging technology. He contributes regularly to the public policy debate on defence and foreign affairs issues and is the author of the book Grand Strategy and co-author of Warfare in the Robotic Age.
In 2020, Peter joined WA DEFENCE REVIEW as a Senior Correspondent.
CDRE Brett Dowsing, RAN (Rtd)
Senior Defence Writer
Beginning his career as a seaman and helicopter pilot and then latterly advancing into policy development and diplomatic service, Brett retired from the Royal Australian Navy as the Senior Officer Western Australia in 2020, concluding a rewarding 51-year military career.
Among his key accomplishments, Brett commanded a Royal Australian Air Force marine search and rescue section, two patrol boats, a helicopter squadron and Fleet Base West.
He subsequently served in Naval Headquarters and Fleet Command, and in the Australian Embassies to the United States on staff and South Korea as Defence Attaché.
His service record included participation in naval support during the Vietnam War (1972-73) and in aviation support of special operations forces engaged in offshore counter-terrorist scenarios.
During his naval service he completed the postgraduate Master of Science and Technology degree and a Graduate Diploma in Strategic Studies, along with several Advanced Diplomas associated with leadership, management, small boat operations and aviation.
Since entering retirement, he resumed serving as a Justice of Peace and is on the boards of several veteran-related charitable organisations.
In 2021, Brett joined WA DEFENCE REVIEW as a Senior Defence Writer.
David Nicolson
Senior Photographer
David has been involved in photography for over 50 years and digital photography for nearly 30. During that time, he has photographed nearly every type of event and subject, from solar eclipses to Australian Rules football matches.
He was the photographer for the West Australian Army Museum for 15 years and even accompanied the Fremantle Football Club on their 2013 grand final campaign with the responsibility of covering their social engagements.
David ran the Joondalup Library Camera Club from 2012 until 2020, and during that time was successful in winning several photographic prizes. He still occasionally helps with judging and giving talks at the club. In 2022, the Fremantle Maritime Museum held an exhibition of 50 of his photos depicting Fremantle harbour and its environs.
In addition to having photographed over 80 shoots for WA DEFENCE REVIEW, he photographs for other commercial and charity organisations. He has had numerous articles on photography and travel printed in local newspapers in addition to publishing five books using his photographs.
David joined WA DEFENCE REVIEW in 2018 as a Senior Photographer.
Michael McArthur
Editor – Video Channel
Michael is a senior post-production expert, having edited hundreds of videos across multiple genres over a 20-plus year career.
He has worked on projects for a wide range of high-profile organisations, including among others, Australia Post, Volvo, Grill’d, Film Victoria, Transurban, Target, Aon and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
Michael joined the team in 2021 as Editor of the WA DEFENCE REVIEW Video Channel.
John McIntosh
Business Development Consultant
Commencing as an Industrial Relations Officer with Morrison Knudsen working in Australia, New Zealand and the USA, John was later employed by Myer in Perth and Melbourne as a Recruitment and Industrial Relations Manager.
Subsequently, he worked in the construction sector with Fluor Australia and then Downing Teal, an international recruitment and executive search consultancy, where he commenced as a Senior Consultant and later concluded his career as the Business Development Manager (Asia Pacific) serving an international client base.
In 2021, John commenced at WA DEFENCE REVIEW as the Principal Business Development Consultant.
Mark Musarra
Business Development Consultant
As an experienced general manager with a longstanding history of working in the defence, energy and metocean sectors, Mark has significant expertise in operations and sales management, systems engineering, purchasing and manufacturing.
Further, since 1987 he has presided over MMF Technology which provides consultancy services to industry in his area of expertise.
Mark is a graduate of Curtin University, where he completed his Bachelor of Electronic Engineering, and also holds a Diploma in Leadership and Management and a Certificate IV in Teaching and Education.
In 2023, Mark joined WA DEFENCE REVIEW as a Business Development Consultant.
Neil Bartlett
Business Development Consultant
Neil Bartlett brings over 40 years of extensive experience predominantly within the defence sector with expertise in engineering, operations, program/project management, contract management, risk management, and business management,. His career spans across various roles and geographies, including an interesting tenure in both the British and Australian defence forces, as well as senior positions within the defence industry.
Neil’s journey began with a distinguished 28-year service in the British military, where he served 20 years in the Royal Air Force (RAF) before laterally transferring into the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), where he served as the Director General Technical Airworthiness – Deputy Senior Design Engineer for Australia’s F/A-18 Hornet Tactical Fighter Capability. Transitioning from active military service, Neil joined BAE Systems, where he was the RAAF Hawk Mk.127 Lead-In Fighter Customer Support Manager, and subsequently the Operations and Site Manager (WA) for the ADF’s Fast Jet Training Capability at RAAF Pearce. Moving to Raytheon Australia, he managed the Offshore Patrol Vessel Capability Lifecycle Manager Operations Team before moving to Leonardo Australia, as the Maritime Communication Modernisation Project Manager and later as their Defence Program Manager.
Most recently, Neil transitioned into a consultancy role directly with the Australian Defence Department’s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) – Australian Industry Capability (AIC Division) – Office of Defence Industry Support (ODIS). As a Defence Industry Adviser, Neil provided assistance to numerous SMEs, helping them navigate the complex and often prolonged pathways into Defence, before establishing his own consultancy, NB Consulting, where he now supports businesses aspiring to establish a presence or grow their company within the Australian defence sector.
Robbie Adams
Business Development Consultant
Bringing a wealth of experience and expertise in defence-related industries, Robbie is a seasoned professional with a proven track-record in technology innovation, strategic business development, and operations management.
After serving six years in the Australian Army, based in New South Wales and Perth, Robbie concluded his service in 2011 to enter into a career of technology innovation and commercialisation.
Having co-founded Cerberus Marine, a pioneering marine data platform focused on maritime security and resource management, Robbie secured two international patents and collaborated closely with government agencies on defence-related projects in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
Based in Auckland since 2018, Robbie continues to engage in consultative selling and prospecting for high value clients within the defence sector across the Australasian and South Pacific regions.
In 2024, Robbie joined WA DEFENCE REVIEW as a Business Development Consultant.