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Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price has announced a $1 million contract with Deakin University to deliver additional robotics-driven target systems to the Australian Defence Force, supporting nearly two dozen Australian small businesses.
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The contract, valued at over $1 million, will see the ADF receive six more RAIDER mobile moving target systems, which mimic tanks and light armoured vehicles, as well as trailers and thermal targets.
Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price said the RAIDER was a world-first system developed by the university to provide more realistic mobile target systems for combined arms live fire training.
"This project has already injected more than $1.5 million into the community through partnering with Australian small businesses," Minister Price said.
"This is leading technology developed here in Australia, which is not only creating opportunities for local industry but also keeping our soldiers safe."
Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said that of the 23 small businesses involved in the project, 14 were from the local Geelong community.
"The Morrison government’s $200 billion investment in defence industry is creating opportunities like these right across Victoria. I congratulate Deakin University on pioneering this technology and helping to ensure the ADF has the best capability to defend Australia’s interests," Senator Henderson said.
The RAIDER mobile moving target system features a patented ‘Generated Heat On Demand’ technology, which allows thermal IR profiles to be displayed at will. The system also features a modular target cassette that allows the target on show to be quickly and easily changed between vehicle types.
The mobile nature of the system provides soldiers with access to a moving live-fire vehicle target at any suitable range around the country.
Dr. Mick Fielding, Executive Director, RAIDER Targetry Pty Ltd told Defence Connect, "Friday’s announcement will double the number of RAIDER Mobile Moving Target Systems (MMTS) that provide the ADF with access to advanced vehicle targets, and will ensure soldiers can train in more realistic and complex scenarios, more often, and in more locations all across Australia.
"In partnership with Deakin University, 2020 will see RAIDER Targetry investing heavily in its staff, facilities and R&D as we expand our range of products. This latest order will support growth in each of these areas, which in-turn allows us to support our supply chain of local Australian SME manufacturers.
Our mission at RAIDER Targetry is to develop and deliver novel, technology-based solutions that support the Defence sector in all aspects of combined-arms training. Already our systems have been fielded against some of the fiercest weapons within Australia’s arsenal, including M1A1 main armament, high-explosive Javelin missiles, and rockets and 30 mm gun from ARH Tiger. We look forward to providing the ADF with advanced targetry to support training for future and existing Land, Air and Maritime assets."
