BAE Systems Australia announced that Adam Watson has been appointed Director of the company’s technical innovation and sovereign capability growth centre, Red Ochre Labs. In this role, Watson will take on responsibility for the development of world leading Australian defence capability focusing on autonomy, high speed weapons, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, electronic warfare and intelligent sustainment. Red Ochre Labs is a hub for collaboration with industry, Defence and academia and will build on BAE Systems’ legacy of delivering world leading technologies in Australia for almost 70 years.
After commencing his career in the Australian Army and subsequently the private sector, Watson then joined BAE Systems Australia in 2009. For more than a decade he has led major domestic programs, global business development campaigns and realised export opportunities for Australian SMEs. Watson’s new role will traverse the product lifecycle from research and technology through to product and service delivery.
BAE Systems Australia Managing Director Defence Delivery Andrew Gresham said: “I am delighted that Adam will lead Red Ochre Labs and step up our efforts on the development of new sovereign capabilities for the Australian Defence Force. Now more than ever, the investment in and development of Australian made technologies has the potential to underpin much needed economic growth and meet the technological needs of our defence force.”
Watson said: “I am really looking forward to Red Ochre Labs continuing to lead the development and production of new globally disruptive technologies, building collaborative relationships and partnerships that push the boundaries of capability that we can deliver for our soldiers, sailors and aviators.”