The Federal 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 the delivery phase which will see two local companies, based in Adelaide and Brisbane, continue to develop their IAMD technology.
“This investment demonstrates the Albanese Government’s commitment to supporting and accelerating the development of innovative technologies that meet the ADF’s capability priorities,” said minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy.
“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.
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 is set to ensure a future made in Australia by igniting innovation and supporting high-skilled, local jobs.
“With this announcement today, the Albanese Government is not only backing local innovation but also supporting local jobs and building Australia’s Future,” said Conroy.
The awarding of these contracts followed an open approach to the 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.
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.
.png){kind=small}
