As part of the agreement, the Commonwealth government and Flinders University will jointly invest $5 million in funding over five years to set up a Centre of Expertise for Electronic Warfare, headed up by defence scientist Professor Sam Drake, who will serve as the inaugural Flinders University Academic Chair of Electromagnetic Systems and Security.

Professor Drake and his team have been tasked with collaborating with Defence scientists to develop electronic warfare-focused education and research programs, while also facilitating professional electronic warfare training and research to stimulate and sustain workforce development.

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the new program would advance the development of electronic warfare capability.

“Having a skilled electronic warfare workforce comprising both practitioners and researchers across Defence, academia and industry is key to ensuring future defence capabilities are fit-for-purpose and future-proofed,” Minister Price said.

“Talent acquisition and retention are critical to delivering an effective and enduring electronic warfare workforce across Defence.

“The Morrison government, Flinders University and DEWC T&E recognise the urgent need for increased quantity and quality of personnel with the skills and background to meet our national strategic needs in electronic warfare.”

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Minister Price added: “These advanced capabilities will provide the ADF with a strategic and tactical advantage to keep pace with the evolving operating environment.”

[Related: BAE Systems to begin electronic warfare integration for F-15s]

Charbel Kadib

Author

News Editor – Defence and Security, Momentum Media

Prior to joining the defence and aerospace team in 2020, Charbel was news editor of The Adviser and Mortgage Business, where he covered developments in the banking and financial services sector for three years. Charbel has a keen interest in geopolitics and international relations, graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a double major in politics and journalism. Charbel has also completed internships with The Australian Department of Communications and the Arts and public relations agency Fifty Acres.

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