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The architect behind Australia’s emerging sovereign rocket propulsion capability has received Defence’s highest individual scientific honour, recognising more than a decade of work that is helping lay the foundations for the nation’s future guided weapons and hypersonic strike capability.
Defence scientist Andrew Hart has been awarded the 2026 Minister’s Award for Achievement in Defence Science, recognising his pivotal role in establishing Australia’s sovereign rocket propulsion capability and strengthening the nation’s defence industrial base.
Presented by the Defence Science and Technology Group, the biennial award is Defence’s highest individual scientific honour and recognises exceptional contributions to Australia’s national security through science and technology.
Over more than a decade, Hart has led the development of capabilities that previously did not exist in Australia, including sovereign rocket motor design, manufacturing expertise and propulsion technologies that are expected to underpin future long-range strike weapons and hypersonic systems.
His work has become a cornerstone of Australia’s rapidly expanding Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance enterprise, which aims to reduce dependence on overseas supply chains while building a domestic industrial capability to design, manufacture and sustain advanced missile systems.
The recognition follows a series of recent milestones for Australia’s sovereign rocket motor program, including successful static and flight testing of Australian-developed propulsion technologies, highlighting the growing maturity of the nation’s missile manufacturing capability.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said Hart’s achievements reflected the importance of scientific innovation to Australia’s future defence capability.
“Congratulations to this year’s recipient of the 2026 Minister’s Award for Achievement in Defence Science, Andrew, on this outstanding achievement and well-deserved recognition.”
“Awards such as these celebrate excellence in science and innovation and shine a light on the talented Australians whose work is helping to solve complex challenges and deliver benefits for our nation.
“Recognising and supporting scientific excellence is critical to Australia’s future prosperity, security and technological advancement.”
Chief Defence Scientist Professor Tanya Monro AC said Hart’s leadership had translated cutting-edge research into tangible capability for the Australian Defence Force.
“Andrew’s achievement is a testament to his leadership, technical excellence and commitment to innovation.
“His work creating and leading the Advanced Rocket Motor Technology Demonstrator program has delivered meaningful outcomes for Defence and demonstrates the real-world impact that scientific research and technological innovation can have on Australia’s defence capability.
“We congratulate Andrew on this well-earned recognition and thank him for his outstanding service and contribution.”
Hart’s contribution extends beyond scientific research. Through close collaboration with Australian industry, he has helped establish the expertise, manufacturing processes and partnerships required to support a sovereign missile enterprise capable of delivering advanced propulsion systems onshore.
As Australia accelerates investment in long-range strike capabilities and sovereign defence manufacturing, the technologies and industrial foundations pioneered through Hart’s work are expected to play an increasingly important role in delivering the next generation of guided weapons.
His award recognises not only an outstanding scientific career but the growing importance of Australian innovation in strengthening the nation’s strategic resilience and defence capability.
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