Thales Australia and Deakin University partner on autonomous ground vehicles

Thales Australia announced a partnership with Deakin University that will help shape the future of autonomous land systems in Australia. The collaboration combines Deakin’s world-class autonomy, robotics and intelligent systems capability with Thales Australia’s industry-leading experience in defence technology. Together, the organisations will accelerate the development of advanced automation to meet the evolving requirements of the Australian Defence Force. Deakin will work alongside Thales Australia and 3ME Technology to develop, test and validate autonomy solutions for BladeHAUL, Thales and 3ME Technology’s new heavy-duty hybrid-electric uncrewed ground vehicle that builds on proven capabilities from the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle. It is designed to deliver superior payload capacity across a range of missions including logistics transport, mobile energy supply and surveillance. The partnership will focus on proving the platform’s effectiveness, reliability and mission readiness in complex operational environments. Jeff Connolly, CEO, Thales Australia and New Zealand, said: “BladeHAUL provides an ideal platform to apply and test next-generation autonomy technologies in demanding environments. The work undertaken through this partnership will help build the expertise, skills and knowledge needed to support Australia’s long-term defence and industrial objectives. This strategic partnership demonstrates the value of Australian industry and academia working side by side to solve complex challenges. By connecting cutting-edge education and research, engineering and practical application, we are creating an innovation ecosystem for new ideas to be developed, tested and delivered where they can have the greatest impact.” Dr James Mullins AM, Director Defence and Security, Deakin University, said: “Deakin supports those who protect, safeguard and serve Australia, and the systems and capability on which they rely. Our expertise in autonomy, robotics and intelligent systems allows the development of technologies that can improve safety, reliability and operational effectiveness. Working alongside Thales and 3ME Technology, in collaboration with government and end-users, will ensure we build a leading collaborative innovation ecosystem that can develop, test and validate autonomous systems to reduce risk to personnel and strengthen Australia’s sovereign capability.” Thales Australia named prospective anchor tenant for Western Defence Forge Thales Australia is pleased to be named as one of five prospective anchor tenants for the Western Defence Forge, leveraging our expertise in enduring advanced manufacturing, guided weapons and explosive ordnance to work with the WA Government to deliver a new facility to forge 155mm artillery munitions and assemble missiles in Western Australia. The new facility will be specifically-designed to support exports to global markets while drawing on the existing Commonwealth-owned, Thales-operated guided weapons and explosive ordnance footprint in Benalla. Thales seeks to build on its position as a trusted partner of Defence and the Commonwealth to join the Western Australian Government’s mission to drive investment, create skilled jobs, and strengthen Australia’s sovereign industrial capability. Western Australia’s strategic location as Australia’s gateway to the Indian Ocean and South-East Asia makes it an ideal hub for defence production. With Defence’s increasing focus on northern and western force posture, a resilient industrial presence in WA is becoming increasingly important. The State is also well positioned to export munitions to support global rearmament initiatives, serving as a key logistics point between hemispheres and contributing to allied supply chains across the Indo-Pacific and into Europe. The proposal includes development of a 155mm forging capability to help meet growing global demand for this critical munition, drawing on Thales’ role as a Strategic GWEO Partner to the Commonwealth and decades of expertise in energetics. It would also introduce missile integration, test and acceptance functions based on proven Thales UK technology, including significant transfer of technology, knowledge and production capability for advanced air defence and counter-UAS solutions. Thales to deploy advanced air traffic control radar in the Faroe Islands Thales has been selected by DALO, the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation, to supply and deploy an RSM NG secondary surveillance radar at the Sornfelli site in the Faroe Islands. This project highlights Thales’ dual expertise in civil and military air traffic management, demonstrating its ability to address complex, shared airspace requirements. Although procured by a military authority, the radar will also support civil air traffic operations through integration with Air Navigation Services Providers Naviair and AVIANS systems, ensuring safe and continuous service across both domains. The RSM NG will replace an existing Thales RSM 970 radar. Building on decades of operational experience in ATC radars, the RSM NG represents the latest evolution in Thales’ proven portfolio of secondary surveillance radars, combining high performance, compact design, and ease of deployment. Thales will complete delivery and installation within six months, one of the shortest timelines achieved for a program of this scale, while ensuring full operational continuity, with no disruption to air traffic control services. Fully compliant with ICAO and EUROCONTROL standards, this system meets the stringent requirements of both civil and military aviation. The “all-in-one” RSM NG radar integrates Mode S interrogation and ADS-B detection capabilities, delivering enhanced accuracy, reliability, and situational awareness. The radar will be connected to the AVIANS control centre, with system integration managed by Naviair and AVIANS. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]