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Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price has announced a $2 million contract with Silentium Defence and the Defence Innovation Hub to continue the development of its MAVERICK M-Series ground-based passive surveillance technology for land tactical situational awareness.
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The contract, which is an extension of Silentium Defence’s successful Phase 1 Army Innovation Day contract for research and development of passive radar systems for land tactical environments, will see the company deploy its GEN-3 ‘MAVERICK M-series’ passive radar system in the field to provide base situational awareness and support capability for dismounted operation.
Passive radar uses existing energy in an environment as its transmission source, for example, FM radio or broadcast television signals.
Dr James Palmer, Silentium Defence chief executive, welcomed the announcement, saying, “We have harnessed the power of passive radar to develop that capability for Defence. Our MAVERICK M-series passive radar delivers reliable, persistent situational awareness in any weather and varying terrain, without advertising the user’s presence.”
As it does not emit, it does not create a radiation hazard, making it deployable in even the most densely populated environments.
“The ability to detect, track and make informed decisions about those objects in real-time is critical to help mitigate risk and increase troop survivability. This is a game-changer for Defence as it allows the Australian Defence Force and its allies to see without being seen,” Dr Palmer explained.
Unlike traditional active radar systems, passive radar does not require spectrum allocation to operate which makes it quicker and more cost-effective to deploy in a world where spectrum is increasingly expensive and elusive to secure.
Minister Price said, “Under this contract, Silentium Defence will continue to advance its land-tactical passive radar technology expected to enhance situational awareness for our troops when deployed on operations.”
The contract follows on from a previous Defence Innovation Hub contract, and will allow Silentium Defence to demonstrate the technology that it has developed to date.
“It is great to see small organisations like Silentium Defence developing their ideas and technology with assistance from the Defence Innovation Hub,” Minister Price said.
The government is investing approximately $640 million in Australian industry through the Defence Innovation Hub to develop innovative technology with Defence applications.
Silentium Defence is a global leader in the design and deployment of complex passive radar surveillance systems for high-end customers. An Australian owned and operated SME we provide the products and solutions that deliver improved situational awareness and increase survivability for Australia’s defence forces, its allies and civil surveillance customers.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
