Babcock Australasia has officially commenced operation of the Defence High Frequency Communications System (DHFCS), offering operation, management and maintenance upgrades for the Australian Defence Force. As the industry partner under JP9101 – Enhanced Defence High Frequency Communications System (EDHFCS) – Babcock is leading the operations of existing capability, whilst also delivering a comprehensive technology upgrade that will equip the ADF with leading-edge capability. The $877 million program is creating more than 150 high-tech jobs across the country, with the majority based in Adelaide at the company’s Keswick office. It is the organisation’s single largest contract to date. Babcock’s principal partners ...

Defence SA has welcomed Izmael Holmes to the organisation under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Internship program. With his first day in the office on Thursday 6 July, Izmael will complete his internship over a six-month period, working closely with new Director Information Warfare, Dave Ormrod. With a background in software engineering, Izmael said he was particularly interested in learning more about the technology and software used in the defence and space industries and how they are applied. “The internship offers me a chance to meet and learn from professionals in the defence and space industries. I’m hoping to ...

Defence SA has appointed Dr Dave Ormrod as its inaugural Director Information Warfare. Commencing on 3 July, Dave is a leader in information warfare (IW) and cyber security with more than 25 years of industry experience. Defence SA Chief Executive Richard Price said the newly created role will assist in ensuring South Australia is able to maximise opportunities across the key areas of intelligence surveillance reconnaissance and electronic warfare (ISREW), cyber and ICT for Defence and space. “South Australia is the hub for Information Warfare and the state has significant high quality research depth with potential to capitalise on a ...

The South Australian Government and defence prime BAE Systems Australia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Osborne Naval Shipyard to further develop the state’s defence workforce. The MoU establishes a commitment to co-design and support the implementation of workforce and skills projects that aim to increase diversity of the STEM pipeline and address critical skills needed for current and future defence projects. To do this, BAE Systems will leverage the international industry expertise of the United Kingdom arm of the organisation. Managing Director of BAE Systems Australia, Craig Lockhart said meeting the demand for highly-skilled workers requires ...

Raytheon Australia has successfully led a flight trial of the LAND 19 Phase 7B Short-Range-Ground Based Air Defence (SRGBAD) system at the Woomera Test Range in South Australia. The successful trial confirms the SRGBAD system’s accuracy and capability as an advanced defence mechanism for detecting, tracking, engaging and guiding missiles against their targets. Flight Trial Lead Henri Westell said testing the system’s effectiveness was “a mammoth task.” “There’s a significant amount of planning that goes into a trial as large and complex as this,” said Mr Westell. “Planning, communication and adaptability are extremely important factors. It’s about understanding the capabilities ...

A recent South Australian defence industry delegation that travelled to Europe has returned with a deeper understanding of opportunities to advance the state’s expertise in undersea defence and maritime autonomous technologies. Led by Defence SA, the delegation travelled to the Undersea Defence Technology (UDT) Conference in Rostock, Germany in May. The largest global event dedicated to the undersea defence industry, the UDT Conference provides a platform to bring stakeholders together to learn, expand networks and explore business opportunities. More than 1500 delegates from around the world congregate for the conference and exhibition to participate in a program designed to equip ...

Dr Gretel Png’s career journey has seen her work and study across the globe before landing in South Australia to work at Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) in late 2018. Through DSTG’s 2021 inaugural NAVIGATE program, Gretel is currently undertaking a placement with the Defence Innovation Partnership (DIP) where she is working to get the new Activator Fund off the ground. “I’ve applied for grants in the past and I wanted to see what it’s like on the other side: to be a part of the organisation that gives grants; how grants are planned, managed, the governance structure and ...

Three of the country’s largest defence companies have signed an agreement with the Department of Defence that will secure the growth of a long-term Combat Systems Integration (CSI) capability for the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) major surface combatants. BAE Systems Australia, Lockheed Martin Australia, Saab Australia and Defence have signed a CSI Collaboration Agreement (CCA), that will see the integration of the complex combat systems for the RAN's existing guided missile destroyers and Hunter class frigates undertaken in Australia. The collaboration will support CSI in surface vessels fitted with the US Navy’s Aegis combat management system – produced by Lockheed ...

Major General Kathryn Toohey, AM, CSC has been appointed to the Defence SA Advisory Board, adding an expert voice on defence capability development to the state’s key defence agency. ­Defence SA is pleased to announce the appointment of Major General Kathryn Toohey, AM, CSC to the Defence SA Advisory Board (DSAAB). With more than 35 years’ experience as an ex Army signals corps officer across varied postings, Ms Toohey has a solid track record in overseeing Defence capability development projects. Announcing the appointment, Defence SA Chief Executive Richard Price has welcomed Ms Toohey and the expertise she will bring to ...

South Australian-headquartered Nova Systems has signed on as a partner to EPE to help deliver ongoing maintenance and support of two Weapons Technical Intelligence (WTI) labs, as part of the Land 154 Phase 2 sustainment program. An Australian-first, the WTI facilities are a series of deployable containers, consisting predominantly of specialist scientific laboratory equipment. They can be transported and utilised on-scene, allowing for rapid assessment of weapons effects and explosive devices. Similar facilities developed overseas have enabled the rapid deployment of counter-measures during operations to protect Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and allied forces. Nova Systems Chief Operating Officer Steven ...

South Australian electronic warfare specialist DEWC Services has been recognised for its outstanding service to defence, named as the South Australian winner in the Consultancy, Training & Employment Services category of the recent 2023 Australian Achiever Awards. The awards recognise the outstanding customer service of small to medium Australian businesses and are based on customer service feedback across a range of areas, including communication, timeliness, understanding of customer needs, ethics and value. DEWC Services CEO Allan Dundas said the recognition is a credit to the company’s commitment to serving the Australian Defence community as a leading provider of electronic warfare ...