Indo Pacific 2022 News in Brief: Day 2

Orbital signs MOU with Anduril: Orbital Corporation (Orbital UAV) announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Anduril Industries Asia Pacific Pty Ltd, a US-based defence products company transforming U.S., Australian, and allied military capabilities with its advanced technologies. The MOU establishes a collaborative agreement between Orbital UAV and Anduril to work on concepts, products and technical solutions in the uncrewed domain. This collaboration is further enabled by the recent announcement by Anduril of its regional presence being established in Sydney, Australia. Orbital UAV and Anduril will collaborate where there is a common interest to meet customer needs and requirements. The companies will meet at the Executive level at least once per annum to discuss market intelligence, customer requirements and identify strategic opportunities which can be tackled as a joint effort. “We are delighted to announce this collaboration with Anduril – a truly pioneering company focused on delivering next generation military technology,” said Todd Alder, CEO and Managing Director of Orbital UAV. Anduril was founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, designer of the Oculus Rift and Founder of Oculus VR. With expertise in artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced sensors, secure networking, aerospace, virtual reality technology, aircraft modelling and simulation, the company is seeking to transform allied defence capabilities by fusing AI with the latest hardware advancements. The company recently secured a contract worth almost US$1 billion with U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM). The contract will see Anduril support SOCOM’s counter uncrewed systems efforts as a Systems Integration Partner1. Additionally, Anduril recently announced their business is expanding to Australia and that they are now operational in Sydney, ready to support the Australian Defence Force and other customers in the Asia Pacific Region. Navantia Australia and UGL partner for LAND 8710 Phase 1: Navantia Australia and UGL announced they are partnering to jointly bid for the Australian Army’s LCM-8 replacement project, LAND 8710-1 Littoral Manoeuvre Vessel Medium (LMV-M). Navantia Australia and UGL both have a demonstrated track record of delivering successful ADF projects and together, offer the leading Australian LMV-M solution in terms of outstanding Australian Industry Capability, including an Australian sovereign design, Australian construction, and an Australian supply chain. Navantia Australia Managing Director, Israel Lozano, said “The partnership between Navantia Australia and UGL offers combined experience in collaborating with both Navy and Army, to deliver superior results. “Together we offer Defence a highly compliant design, cost effective delivery, surety of supply, contribution to the Naval Shipbuilding Plan and maximum Australian content.” UGL Managing Director, Doug Moss, said “I’m pleased that UGL has teamed with Navantia Australia to bring our substantial Australian heavy manufacturing expertise and genuine Australian sovereign capability to enhance the Australian naval shipbuilding capability.” As a major Australian services and manufacturing company, UGL has significant experience in complex project delivery. Its Australia-wide 6,700 strong workforce offer extensive manufacturing and support capabilities on both the east and west coasts of Australia. EOS launches its R400-M remote weapon station: Electro Optic Systems (EOS)  marked the official Australian launch of its R400 Marine (R400-M) remote weapon station (RWS) at a special event held at the INDO PACIFIC 2022 International Maritime Exposition. The marine RWS, which is currently in production for a major overseas customer, differs from the company’s range of Land R400 RWS only through the inclusion of high-quality sub-components and finishes that comply with all requirements, regulations and test standards of the maritime environment. The Commonwealth also announced its plan to supply the R400-M remote weapon station as Government Furnished Equipment for the Army’s Land 8710-1 Littoral Manoeuvre Vessel – Medium capability. Speaking at the launch event, Matt Jones, CEO, EOS Defence Systems (Australia), said, “The R400-M, the latest version of the operationally proven R400 RWS family, offers customers the firepower and specialist ammunition natures possible for weapons up to and including 30 mm cannon, but in the weight and form factor of competitors’ machine gun systems. We are proud that the R400-M has been selected for Land 8710-1” The system is equally effective at countering drone threats and more conventional maritime adversaries. EOS’ family of RWS has long provided customers with “many advantages including superior range, accuracy and firepower,” Jones said – and these decisive advantages are now available in maritime as well as land combat. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Director of Sales Graham Joss at [email protected]