Australia boosts investment in air defence capabilities

The Australian government is providing a financial boost to two local companies to support the rapid development of technology to degrade integrated air and missile defence systems (IAMD) of potential adversaries. The Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator’s (ASCA) Mission 1 has now moved to delivery phase which will see two local companies, based in Adelaide and Brisbane, continue to develop their IAMD technology to give the Australian Defence Force (ADF) a capability edge. The ability to degrade IAMD systems of potential adversaries at long ranges is a capability priority for the ADF in line with the National Defence Strategy. The next phase of ASCA Mission 1 – named Black Thorn – is also a pivotal milestone for ASCA. After 18 months of learning, ASCA is refining its operating model and delivering a new, agile approach to rapidly deliver the next generation of technology for Defence. This initial investment of $61.5 million underscores the government’s commitment to keeping Australians safe but also ensures a future made in Australia by igniting innovation and supporting high-skilled, local jobs. The awarding of these contracts followed an open approach to market which resulted in funding of nine companies to undertake a co-design effort. ASCA has now entered 12-month contracts with two of the companies to further develop and demonstrate the capability. Due to security sensitivities, the identity of the companies and details about the technologies will not be publicly disclosed at this stage. ASCA was established to accelerate delivery of capabilities to the ADF including by supporting and investing in emerging and disruptive technologies and nurturing innovations that address priority capability needs. Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy said: “This investment demonstrates the Albanese Government’s commitment to supporting and accelerating the development of innovative technologies that meet the ADF’s capability priorities. We are proud to work with innovative Australian companies that play a critical role in developing technology that can give the ADF a capability edge over a much bigger and more powerful adversary. With this announcement today, the Albanese Government is not only backing local innovation but also supporting local jobs and building Australia’s Future.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]