Australian firm enlists Israeli help in developing sovereign capabilities
Black Sky Aerospace and the Australian Missile Corporation completed a rocket motor test in late May. (Photo: AMC)
Israel Aerospace Industries is assisting the Australian Missile Corporation with the potential transfer of technology and know-how.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) on 3 June confirmed its interest in cooperating with the Australian Missile Corporation (part of Queensland-based NIOA) to help develop sovereign Australian defence capabilities.
'Both companies believe that the joint capabilities are synergetic and the joint effort will provide leading innovative local solutions for the benefit of Australian industries,' IAI noted.
Oded Sheshinski, MD of IAI Australia, said the Israeli company is prepared to transfer technology and knowledge as required to deliver a 'real sovereign capability'.
Shephard Defence Insight notes that Israeli-made missiles are already involved in Australian Defence Force programmes. The Spike LR2 missile from Rafael Advanced Defense Systems was selected in February 2020 for the Long Range Direct Fire Support Weapon capability.
As well as the IAI collaboration, AMC also recently signed partnership agreements with fellow Australian companies Quickstep (aerospace components) and Black Sky Aerospace (solid propellant and rocket platforms).
Robert Nioa, CEO of NIOA and AMC, said his company aims to work with ‘highly capable organisations such as IAI’, adding that he welcomes 'any opportunity to bring leading technologies to Australia'.
The country wants to procure more ship-based and air-launched missiles, and the Department of Defence announced in January 2021 that it aims to 'commence the early development of advanced guided weapons'.
It will also 'broaden Australia’s weapons manufacturing base', which indicates a plan for industrial cooperation with allies.
More from Defence Notes
-
![What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration]()
What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration
Although Trump’s geopolitics policy for Europe remains unclear, defence analysts from the US and Europe predict how his incoming administration would attempt to handle critical issues on the continent.
-
![RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific]()
RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
-
![Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard]()
Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.
-
![UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?]()
UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October is the first by a Labour government in 14 years. While it sees a boost in defence spending, this comes in the face of fiscal challenges and the effects of inflation.
-
![UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review]()
UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review
The changes are intended to meet greater need and deliver more value for money.
-
![US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities]()
US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities
BAE Systems, Booz Allen Hamilton and Lockheed Martin have been betting on new facilities and innovative manufacturing technologies to speed up the development of new solutions.
