Login
iscover
A new tranche of defence innovation contracts has been awarded to 10 SMEs across the country.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price has announced the award of $23 million in contracts to 10 Australian businesses via the Defence Innovation Hub.
The contracts aim to support the development of new capability for the Australian Defence Force, while also contributing to the growth of the sovereign defence industry.
Victoria-based A.W. Bell Machinery Pty Ltd secured the largest contract, winning $5.8 million to develop a high-grade titanium casting system for in-service aircraft that could enhance Air Force capabilities.
NSW-based Jenkins Engineering Defence Systems Pty Ltd also secured $5.6 million to continue the development of a cost-effective maritime radar electronic support system.
This could provide automated warnings on the detection of potential threat signals from platforms operating in the same area as the host vessel.
Other recipients include:
|
Organisation |
State |
Contract Value (GST incl.) |
Description of innovation |
|
Agent Orient Software Pty Ltd |
VIC |
$3.33 million |
To continue the development of an enhanced version of agent’s intelligent software system that could offer advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance applications that aid and enhance decision making capabilities. |
|
IAS Asia Pacific Pty Ltd |
VIC |
$2.44 million |
To develop a multispectral optical radar using advanced sensors and algorithms for enhanced object detection that could provide aircraft systems with the ability to conduct extensive wide area search operations across multiple defence environments. |
|
Prism Systems Pty Ltd |
SA |
$1.81 million |
To develop a digital precision approach system for aviation systems that could utilise ship and aircraft navigation systems at night and in poor visibility to improve platform safety in a cost-effective manner. |
|
ECLIPS Logistics Pty Ltd |
ACT |
$1.68 million |
To develop an advanced autonomous robotic system for Defence artillery that could reduce the challenges of manual handling requirements and safety risks to ADF personnel, while speeding up resupply. |
|
EPE Pty Ltd |
QLD |
$1.13 million |
To develop a handheld explosive detector that can be integrated onto uncrewed systems to assist with the detection and classification of chemical and explosive threats to reduce risk to ADF personnel. |
|
Mincham Aviation Pty Ltd |
SA |
$1.12 million |
To develop a deployable payload delivery system that could be launched from a variety of platforms to strategic equipment in a desired target location. |
|
Invicta Prospectus Group Pty Ltd |
NSW |
$290,000 |
To develop a unique software system incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning that could improve Defence operational decision-making and enhance personnel health and safety. |
|
Moog Australia |
VIC |
$257,000 |
To develop protection systems for next-generation armoured vehicles to significantly improve vehicle and soldier survivability. |
“These contracts awarded through the Defence Innovation Hub will help Defence maintain a capability advantage in our dynamic strategic environment, while boosting the competitiveness of our industry innovation sector.
“… These contracts will harness the incredible, innovative potential of our defence industry and deliver the ADF a capability edge to defend Australia,” Minister Price said.
[Related: New defence innovation program targets R&D growth]
