“AVT Australia is committed to developing the world’s best micro gimbal system, which could provide a significant capability edge in a future battlefield environment,” Minister Price said.

Under the deal, AVT Australia is aiming to reduce the size of the technology to enable integration of multiple sensors as well as incorporating a range of autonomous tracking algorithms.

Minister Price also announced a $3.4 million contract with Textron Systems for the continued development of its drone technology, which follows a successful phase one contract with the Defence Innovation Hub, and demonstrates the Morrison government’s commitment to exploring how unmanned aerial systems (UAS) can benefit the Australian Defence Force.  

"Defence is Australia’s largest and most experienced UAS operator, and it’s important to remain at the cutting edge of a capability that offers superior surveillance, intelligence and force protection," Minister Price said.

The third annual Defence Innovation Hub Industry Conference acknowledged the significant potential that Australian small businesses have to deliver advanced Defence capability.

“More than 85 per cent of the almost 100 contracts so far awarded by the Defence Innovation Hub have been with small businesses,” Minister Price said.

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“And since its inception, investment from the Defence Innovation Hub has resulted in the creation of over 200 new local Australian jobs.”