Australian innovation hub contracts awarded
Defence Innovation Hub contracts have been issued to three Australian companies for development of three new defence technologies, the Australian Department of Defence announced on 14 May.
The first contract, valued at $659,000, went to Aerospace and Mechanical Consulting Engineers for the development of a lightweight armour solution for Australian Defence Force aircraft. The solution uses panels designed with new materials and ballistic protection level.
Unmanned Aerial Systems was awarded $293,000 for innovation on combining features of a helicopter and a fixed wing aircraft in order to increase performance, efficiency and capability.
Defence Materials Technology Centre will develop armour for soldiers that is lightweight with improved protection levels and functional integration under its $287,000 funding.
Funded at around $640 million over the decade to 2025-26, the Defence Innovation Hub accepts proposals on innovations at all stages, from early stage concept exploration and technology demonstration through to advanced prototypes for integration, test and evaluation.
Minister for Defence Industry, Christopher Pyne, said: ‘Investing in defence innovation will not only build the innovation capabilities of Australian industry and research organisations, it will also deliver innovative capability solutions for use by defence.’
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.
