Australia’s leading space research centre, the SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), has unveiled a Compact Hybrid Optical-RF User Segment (CHORUS) prototype terminal that is set to transform military satellite communications. Launched at the 15th Australian Space Forum in Adelaide, the CHORUS prototype features world-leading technology developed entirely in Australia by the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) and partners EOS Space Systems, EM Solutions, Lyrebird Antenna Research, Shoal Group, Australian National University and the University of South Australia. The project saw DSTG support testing at their LASER range, which included designing and building a ‘pseudo-satellite’ to prove the hybrid radio ...

South Australia is set to be home to high energy laser manufacturing capability with Defence awarding QinetiQ Australia a $12.9 million contract. A world leader in laser research and technology, QinetiQ will work collaboratively with Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) to establish a high energy defensive laser system prototype capable of deployment in a wide range of operational environments. Chief Defence Scientist, Professor Tanya Monro AC, explained this collaboration is an example of how DSTG is facilitating the rapid transition of new science and technology into Defence capability. “DSTG is partnering with industry to build advanced and competitive Australian ...

South Australian-based advanced manufacturer AML3D has signed a major value-added reseller agreement for their ARCEMY® large-scale metal 3D printer with leading United States manufacturing and sales partner, Phillips Corporation. The partnership will see AML3D gain immediate access to the US defence market, with Phillips Corporation set to focus on exclusively selling the systems into the US Federal Government, including their Navy, Air Force and Army. The Phillips team will be trained and upskilled to enable frontline service and support in the US alongside the existing AML3D team. AML3D CEO, Ryan Millar, said he was excited by the partnership, particularly against ...

Adelaide based Fleet Space Technologies has celebrated the company’s first foray into the defence sector, signing a $6.4 million contract with Australia’s Defence Space Command. The agreement will see Fleet’s Centauri satellites used to develop a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications system for tactical communications and data transmission where there is limited connectivity. Named ASCEND2LEO, the project is a collaboration between Fleet, SmartSat CRC, Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), University of South Australia and Rice Satcom Pty Ltd. It will allow Defence to take advantage of the most modern commercial space technology that is currently used by the ...

Students from three South Australian schools are set to take on their international counterparts at the 2023 World Finals of the global STEM challenge, F1 in Schools. Established in Australia 20 years ago, the F1 in Schools program encourages groups of students to follow a pathway of engineering and manufacturing by taking them through the collaborative process of designing, analysing, testing, making and racing their own miniature vehicle. After participating in the 2022 National Finals, students from Modbury High School, Charles Campbell College and Adelaide High School and are now on track to take on the world in Singapore from ...

South Australia has been confirmed as the home of Australia’s next-generation submarine build, in what will be the most transformative industrial endeavour in the nation’s history. On 14 March 2023, the Optimal Pathway for Australia’s acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability was announced as part of the AUKUS partnership. Known as SSN-AUKUS – the trilaterally-developed submarine will be an evolution of the United Kingdom’s Astute class submarine and incorporate the very best of Australian, United States and United Kingdom technology. Australia and the United Kingdom will operate SSN-AUKUS submarines as their submarine of the future with two production lines – ...

Four South Australian manufacturing companies have partnered under a new global brand to offer integrated sovereign manufacturing services to the aerospace and defence industry. Officially launching at Avalon 2023, Hephaestus Global comprises two independent defence manufacturing organisations, Toolcraft Australia and Mitchell & Cheesman, as well as engineering companies, Carr Components and Sharman Sheetmetal & Fabrication. With a mission to support a robust manufacturing industry and grow local employment, Hepahaestus Global will leverage the collective capabilities of the subsidiaries to create innovative and sustainable solutions. The group’s capabilities cover the manufacturing process from design to delivery, including: tooling and engineering machining ...

The South Australia – The Defence State stand was bustling with activity at the Avalon 2023 tradeshow, with the state’s largest-ever contingent of defence and space companies on display at the record-breaking event. Hosted by Defence SA, more than 50 organisations participated on this year’s South Australian stand, showcasing defence capabilities across information warfare, aerospace and advanced manufacturing. The state’s space sector was also represented, demonstrating industry’s satellite manufacturing, launch and space surveillance capabilities. Industry was joined by the state’s three universities and the Defence Innovation Partnership – the South Australian Government’s catalyst for defence-relevant research – which provided a ...

An impressive cohort of 36 South Australian university students have taken the next step in their defence industry careers, graduating from the highly regarded Defence Industry Scholarship Program. The South Australian Government-funded scholarship program, administered by AiGroup, provides eligible university students with grants of up to $10,000 to undertake work placements at a local defence company. The graduation ceremony held at Edinburgh-based manufacturer, AML3D, recognised students who have completed their defence industry placement across a range of roles, gaining in-demand skills, knowledge and experience through work-based learning opportunities. Having supported students as a participating host company, AML3D Chief Executive Ryan ...

South Australian Electronic Warfare (EW) specialist, DEWC Services, is helping advance the nation’s airborne early warning and control aircraft, the E-7A Wedgetail. The company is supporting the mid-life upgrade project that will provide cutting-edge air battle management capabilities to support the fifth-generation battlespace. With a strong track record of solving complex EW related problems for the Australian Defence Force, DEWC Services is leveraging its expertise to support a major upgrade of the signals intelligence, survivability and mission data capabilities of the Wedgetail as part of Wedgetail Project AIR5077 Phase 6. This will include providing technical expertise on enhancements to mission ...

Adelaide-based aerospace manufacturer, Aerobond Pty Ltd, has partnered with local cybersecurity firm Secure State to help access lucrative Defence opportunities with the US. Aerobond offer CASA-approved production and maintenance capability and specialist component services to military, civil operators and OEMs. As the company pursues growth in Defence – including with US primes – it has recognised the need to join the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) and gain Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). Secure State is the only internationally Registered Provider Organisation able to offer consulting and implementation services for Australian businesses that require CMMC – a program designed to ...

Leading European defence company MBDA has joined the growing list of defence companies taking up residence in South Australia’s Lot Fourteen innovation district. The company will establish a new Australian office at the Defence and Space Landing Pad, a one-stop-shop that supports the relocation of international companies to South Australia. A world-leader in the field of guided weapons and missile systems, MBDA has a long history of involvement in Australian defence projects, having supported the Advanced Short Range Air to Air Missile (ASRAAM) program for the Royal Australian Air Force. MBDA Group Business Development Director Paul Mead said the company’s ...