The Australian Government is continuing to invest in local defence industry and research organisations to develop enhanced capability for Defence.
Minister for Defence Industry, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC, said nine Australian businesses had been awarded Defence Innovation Hub contracts with a combined value of over $15.1 million to develop their innovative technologies.
"The latest tranche of investments includes two contracts awarded to Australian universities and seven contracts with Australian businesses," Minister Reynolds said.
"A $5.4 million contract has been awarded to Western Sydney University to explore the application of advanced neuromorphic sensing technology to deliver detailed imaging capabilities to satellites. This technology has the potential to enhance satellite and space situational awareness capabilities.
"The University of Adelaide, has been awarded a $3 million contract to develop an active exhaust silencer for diesel engines. This technology has the potential to enhance the capability and operations of the Australian Defence Force by reducing vehicle noise."
A $3 million contract has also been awarded to DefendTex Pty Ltd, a Victorian based business, to explore the application of sustained supercavitation technology to enhance Defence's subsurface defensive capabilities through countering minefields and inbound torpedos.
The Defence Innovation Hub accepts proposals at all stages of innovation, from early concept exploration and testing through to advanced prototypes and evaluation.
Industry and research organisations are encouraged to submit their innovation proposals at any time through the Defence Innovation Portal at: www.business.gov.au/cdic
Contracts announced today under the Defence Innovation Hub
Organisation |
Contract Value (GST incl.) |
Description of innovation |
Western Sydney University |
$5.4 million |
To explore the application of advanced neuromorphic sensing technology to deliver detailed imaging capabilities to ground and satellite based sensing systems. This technology has the potential to enhance Australian and allied space situational awareness capabilities. |
University of Adelaide |
$3.0 million |
Development of an active exhaust silencer for diesel engines. |
DefendTex Pty Ltd |
$3.0 million |
To develop and test the application of sustained supercavitation technology. Projectiles equipped with this technology can enhance subsurface defensive capabilities through countering minefields and inbound torpedos. |
Agent Oriented Software Pty Ltd |
$1.5 million |
To demonstrate real-time coordination of intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance assets, including unmanned drones and autonomous vehicles. |
Marathon Targets Pty Ltd |
$1.1 million |
To develop an autonomous vehicle target to enhance close combat training by replicating realistic actions of adversaries. |
Safran Electronics & Defense Australasia Pty Ltd |
$308,000 |
To enhance the performance of infra-red search and track systems, improving the detection of targets in coastal environments. |
BlueZone Group Pty Ltd |
$275,000 |
To demonstrate that unmanned surface vehicles can enhance underwater and anti-submarine warfare capability. |
Defence Materials Technology Centre Ltd (DMTC) |
$272,000 |
In partnership with Thales Australia Ltd, DMTC will undertake a research and development program with the aim of providing technical advancements to the soldier lethality system, specifically small-arms capability. |
Inovor Technologies Pty Ltd |
$272,000 |
To develop sovereign satellite capabilities through enhanced image and object detection. |
