Launch of AUKUS Pillar II’s first Trilateral Innovation Challenge

The first in a series of AUKUS Innovation Challenges, the AUKUS Electronic Warfare Innovation Challenge, has been launched through the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA), delivering on a commitment made by AUKUS Defence Ministers in December 2023. The first AUKUS Challenge will seek innovative solutions to shared electronic warfare challenges from industry and research institutions in Australia, the United Kingdom and United States. ASCA will lead the Australian component of this challenge simultaneously alongside the United Kingdom, led by the Defence and Security Accelerator, and United States, led by the Defense Innovation Unit. Defence is looking forward to working with industry and research institutions to deliver cutting-edge capabilities for the Australian Defence Force while securing a competitive advantage to deter threats to regional security. Each country will assess winners based on a set of pre-determined criteria aligned to national interests and priorities, with shared access to the best solutions across all three national challenges. Professor Emily Hilder, Head of ASCA, said, “The electromagnetic spectrum is an increasingly contested, complex and competitive environment. It is exciting that electronic warfare is the first of the AUKUS Innovation Challenges and we look forward to seeing not only what Australian capability is available, but across our AUKUS partners as well.”  Stephen Moore, First Assistant Secretary AUKUS Advanced Capabilities, Department of Defence, said, “The release of this Challenge creates an opportunity for Australian defence industry and academia to pitch the very best ideas to a trilateral audience. Defence is pleased to be delivering this Challenge through ASCA.” More information on the AUKUS Electronic Warfare Challenge is available at www.asca.gov.au. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Director of Sales Graham Joss at [email protected]