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The federal government has announced $3.4 billion over the next decade to develop hypersonics, directed energy, autonomous and other technology for the Australian Defence Force.
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The funding and newly established Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) represents an additional $591 million above current planned spending on defence innovation.
The ASCA will start by 1 July this year with 18 months to develop, test, and refine the operating model. Hypersonics, directed energy, trusted autonomy, quantum technology, information warfare, and long-range fires have all been listed as priorities for the ASCA program.
The Defence Strategic Review (DSR) unveiled on 24 April identified the creation and acquisition of disruptive new technologies as one of six priority areas for immediate action.
The ASCA will replace the Defence Innovation Hub and Next Generation Technologies Fund, after both programs were identified as no longer fit for purpose by the DSR.
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said the ASCA will deliver vital capabilities for the ADF, create jobs in the Australian defence industry, and support innovative domestic solutions.
“Our strategic circumstances require us to adapt our approach to innovation. The Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator will lead the way in agile delivery of capability solutions to the Australian Defence Force,” he said.
“The government’s commitment to supporting innovation — in partnership with Australian industry and research organisations — is at the heart of our nation’s response to the challenges we face.
“Delivering emerging disruptive technologies into the hands of the warfighter is critical. ASCA will respond to our highest priorities, bringing essential capabilities to our forces at the speed of relevance.
“Innovation must translate into acquisition, and the Defence Accelerator will address the very real and urgent need to turn emerging technologies into game-changing capabilities. Linking technology development to speedy acquisition will also create many more jobs in the Australian defence industry.”
No directed energy projects were listed in the publicly available DSR document and only one mention of autonomous systems (for air defence, MQ-28A Ghost Bat) was detailed.
Earlier this year, QinetiQ Australia announced they have been engaged to develop and manufacture a high-energy, defensive laser weapon system prototype for the Australian Department of Defence in a three-year, $13 million directed energy laser weapon development contract.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said the ASCA is embedded within Defence to ensure that it is closely connected with the Defence strategic priorities, the services and Defence’s science, technology and acquisition specialists.
“At the heart of government’s ability to reshape the ADF for the strategic circumstances we face is ensuring we have the capabilities to do so,” he said.
“The Defence Strategic Review makes clear that Australia must invest in the transition to new and innovative technologies for our Defence Force. This is precisely what the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator will deliver.
“Central to this will be our ongoing work to operationalise Pillar Two of the AUKUS agreement, which seeks to develop and provide capabilities such as undersea warfare and hypersonics for Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
“Together, these investments will contribute to Australia’s defence industrial base and build on the already strong cooperation with our international partners.”
The ASCA will be guided by senior levels in Defence; the Vice Chief of the Defence Force, the Chief Defence Scientist, and the Deputy Secretary, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group.
To find out more about the impact and opportunities of the government’s Defence Strategic Review, join us at the Defence Connect DSR Summit Day, reserve your tickets here.
