Australia launches combat systems engineering program

The Deputy Premier South Australia Susan Close together with Defence Trailblazer officially launched Australia’s first suite of credit-ready Combat Systems Engineering Micro-credentials to bolster Australia’s national security capability. Under Defence Trailblazer’s Industry Upskilling Program, the micro-credentials were co-developed with the University of Adelaide, UNSW, and Lockheed Martin Australia. The bespoke Combat Systems Engineering Micro-credentials program provides a targeted solution to address a critical gap in formal qualification pathways for combat systems engineering in Australia. Deputy Premier South Australia, the Hon. Susan Close MP said, “Defence Trailblazer’s Combat Systems Engineering Micro-credentials are a strategic investment in Australia’s future. The Micro-credentials directly support defence primes and Australian small-to-medium enterprises to upskill their employees at speed and build a more resilient industrial base in support of Australia’s future prosperity.” Defence Trailblazer’s Executive Director Dr Sanjay Mazumdar said, “Technological advancements are rapidly transforming the defence landscape and Australia’s defence capabilities must evolve to meet future challenges. The introduction of Defence Trailblazer’s Combat Systems Engineering Micro-credentials is a significant step forward in uplifting Australia’s defence industry. Our priority is ensuring Defence and industry professionals are equipped with the vital skills needed to develop the defence technologies of today and tomorrow.” The new suite of micro-credentials comprises of six courses including introductory studies in systems engineering, radar systems, command and control, C4ISREW systems & technology, understanding defence systems, and mission engineering. The courses will be delivered under a flexible, hybrid learning model by the University of Adelaide and UNSW. Learners can complete individual micro-credentials or the full suite, depending on their professional development and career needs. The launch follows the successful pilot delivery of the first three Combat Systems Engineering Micro-credentials in the series, which commenced in July 2024. To-date, 59 industry professionals have undertaken these Micro-credentials, and a further 141 professionals are geared to complete the full suite of micro-credentials by June 2026. Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand’s Chief Executive Warren McDonald said, “We are proud to partner with Defence Trailblazer, the University of Adelaide and UNSW. It is incumbent on industry to continually grow the engineering talent pipeline to support the Australian Defence Force’s mission. Graduates of the Combat Systems Engineering Micro-credentials will be professionally trained and equipped with the key skills needed to integrate combat systems across air, sea, land, space, and cyber capabilities that protect Australia.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]