South Australia is cementing its position as a leader in defence research with a significant funding boost from the Federal Government. Four local organisations will share nearly $18 million of the $60 million allocated under the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator’s (ASCA) Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDT) Program. This round of the initiative is aimed at advancing quantum and counter disinformation technologies to give Australia’s Defence Forces a technological edge while developing sovereign capability. Of the 179 national proposals, 21 contracts were awarded across Australia’s science and technology sectors, aligning with the National Defence Strategy and the Defence Innovation, Science and ...

The South Australian Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ASC, focused on developing the state’s defence industry workforce and skills. With South Australia at the centre of the nation’s naval shipbuilding program and ASC playing a crucial role in delivering Australia’s submarine capability at Osborne Naval Shipyard, the agreement will focus on attracting, retaining, and developing skilled workers. It will also enhance existing relationships with local companies, academia, and education providers to develop the skilled workforce and strengthen Australia’s sovereign submarine capability. South Australian Deputy Premier Susan Close said the MoU would support collaboration to deliver current ...

South Australian defence technology specialist Aurizn Group has strengthened its position as a premier Tier 2 defence technology company, announcing the acquisition of Pacific Aerospace Consulting (PAC) Australia. The strategic acquisition brings Aurizn’s workforce to over 300 highly skilled professionals and will enhance its service offering to meet growing demands in the defence sector. Aurizn Group CEO Brett Sangster described the partnership as a key milestone in the company’s ambitious growth strategy. “Aurizn has always had a strong vision for growth in the defence sector, filling the space between the primes and the smaller but often highly capable end of ...

Global defence and security company, QinetiQ has unveiled a first-of-its-kind research facility in Adelaide's north dedicated to advancing software engineering and rapid prototyping for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The Mawson Lakes facility features an on-site software development environment and an adaptable laboratory layout, designed for the rapid development and testing of cutting-edge technologies and supporting key projects outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program. Chief Executive Australia Sector, Gary Stewart said the facility will significantly enhance the company’s existing capabilities. “The establishment of QLabs marks a significant milestone in our efforts to grow Australia’s sovereign ...

South Australian company QuantX Labs, has partnered with the University of Adelaide to advance cutting-edge quantum technology that will elevate Defence’s navigation and communication capabilities in challenging environments. The Defence Trailblazer-led research collaboration will focus on developing atomic clock technology to significantly enhance navigation networks and support Defence applications. The University of Adelaide’s Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS) chief innovator and lead researcher on the project Professor Andre Luiten said the project builds on four years of collaboration and unites a team of globally leading clock researchers with technical experts at QuantX Labs, a world-leader in high-precision timing ...

BAE System Australia has secured a multi-million dollar contract to triple the production of its advanced passive radio frequency sensors for joint strike missiles supplied to Australia and key allies at the company’s Edinburgh Parks facility in South Australia. Under the $160 million deal, BAE Systems will supply over 1000 sensors into Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace’s global Joint Strike Missile (JSM) program over the next six years, boosting local manufacturing in Adelaide’s north. BAE System’s Passive Radio Frequency Sensor (PRS), which was designed and developed in South Australia, is a world-leading capability and critical enhancing component of the ...

Babcock Australasia’s new cutting-edge facility in Adelaide has seen it double the size of its local maintenance, manufacturing and repair footprint to support critical sovereign army and navy programs. The $31 million Defence-accredited building at Woodville North, will be home to more than 100 Babcock engineers and technical experts working across nationally significant Defence programs, including; Collins Class in-service sustainment and future Life of Type Extension (LOTE) support, systems on the Hunter Class frigates, Counter Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (C-CBRNE) asset management and future AUKUS endeavours. The facility features a 4,000m2 custom-built manufacturing workshop and warehouse, equipped with ...

A team of three South Australian high school students will put their STEM skills to the test when they represent Australia on the global stage at the F1 in Schools world finals in Saudi Arabia next month. The year 12 Modbury High School students, who form Acrux, will complete against some of the brightest young minds from 51 countries for their place on the F1 in Schools podium, after placing second in the Australian National Finals and winning three awards. FI in Schools is the largest school-based Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) competition in the world. Designed to spark ...

The former Chief of the Australian Army, Lieutenant General, Rick Burr (Ret’d), has joined the Defence SA Advisory Board. Lieutenant General Burr AO DSC MVO (Ret’d) has held a range of leadership positions throughout his extensive military career, including as Chief of the Australian Army, from 2018-2022. He brings a unique skill-set and a range of knowledge across all areas of Defence. After an extensive Army career living around Australia and overseas, Lieutenant General Burr said he was pleased to return ‘home’ and contribute to the exciting developments in South Australia. “South Australia has a strong reputation as the Defence ...

A new partnership between the South Australian Government and Flinders University will accelerate the tertiary studies of Findon Technical College students pursuing in-demand careers in engineering and advanced manufacturing. Under the joint initiative, students will be able to complete the first year of their university degree in year 12, giving them a head start in their careers. Students studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) will be eligible for the program, which aims to build South Australia’s specialised workforce in a range of   high-demand industries, including defence and space. Flinders University Senior Deputy-Vice Chancellor, Professor Romy Lawson, said the new initiative ...

BAE Systems Australia has been announced as the anchor tenant in Lot Fourteen’s Innovation Centre, the first new build at the innovation district. The move will see approximately 500 BAE Systems employees located at the Lot Fourteen headquarters, positioning the company at the centre of South Australia’s defence and critical technologies sector. It would significantly grow the company’s South Australian footprint, which includes the Osborne Naval Shipyard – the manufacturing hub for the Hunter Class Frigate Program and the future site for the construction of the SSN-AUKUS submarine fleet – and other key locations at Edinburgh Parks, Tonsley Innovation District ...