Exploring the Adoption of AI in the Defense Industry with Ron Fehlen of L3Harris Technologies

Emerging Cyber Risk

On this episode of the Emerging Cyber Risk podcast, our guest is Ron Fehlen, VP and GM of USAF Programs and Broadband Communication Systems at L3Harris Technologies, the trusted disruptor for the global aerospace and defense industry. The podcast is brought to you by Ignyte and Secure Robotics, where we share our expertise on cyber risk and AI to help you prepare for the risk management of emerging technologies. We are your hosts, Max Aulakh and Joel Yonts.

Join us as we discuss the adoption of artificial intelligence, including both the negatives and the upsides. Discover the opportunities for AI adoption in the defense industry, and whether it is likely that machines can ever be truly trusted for critical missions. Explore the importance of public discussions around the ethical implications of AI adoption and the use of synthetic data for training larger models.

The touchpoints of our discussion include:

• Can synthetic data be used to fill the gaps when training larger AI models?
• Trusting machines in critical missions
• Public discussions on the ethical considerations of AI
• Whether AI adoption can, or even should, be avoided
• Innovative projects L3Harris are working on with the government

Ron Fehlen Bio:

Ron Fehlen is the VP and GM of USAF Programs and Broadband Communication Systems at L3Harris Technologies, the trusted disruptor for the global aerospace and defense industry. Prior to this he worked at Raytheon Technologies as Executive Director of ISR & Comm at Raytheon Intelligence & Space. He also previously served as the Deputy Director, Advanced Space Capabilities Directorate, Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office at United States Air Force where he oversaw $21 billion plus of classified technology programs and over ten high performance teams at the premier USAF acquisition organization.

Ron Fehlen on LinkedIn

Get to Know Your Hosts:

Max Aulakh Bio:

Max is the CEO of Ignyte Assurance Platform and a data security and compliance leader delivering DoD-tested security strategies and compliance that safeguard mission-critical IT operations. He has trained and excelled while working for the United States Air Force. He maintained and tested the InfoSec and ComSec functions of network hardware, software, and IT infrastructure for global unclassified and classified networks.

Max Aulakh on LinkedIn

Ignyte Assurance Platform Website

Joel Yonts Bio:

Joel is CEO & Research Scientist at Secure Robotics and the Chief Research Officer & Strategist at Malicious Streams. Joel is a security strategist, innovator, advisor, and seasoned security executive with a passion for information security research. He has over twenty-five years of diverse information technology experience with an emphasis on cyber security. Joel is also an accomplished speaker, writer, and software developer with research interests in enterprise security, digital forensics, artificial intelligence, and robotic & IoT systems.

Joel Yonts on LinkedIn

Secure Robotics Website

Malicious Streams Website