Defence Research

DEFENCE RESEARCH SPECIAL REPORTDefence Research

MQ-28A Ghost Bat pictured in flight during flight testing at Woomera, South Australia, 2021. Picture: Department of Defence

Reach for the strategic blue-sky possibility

R&D that’s relevant now is important, but so is the basic work that may lead to breakthrough capabilities down the track

Tim Johnston

DEFENCE RESEARCHDefence Research

Agent-based modelling excels at simulating the behaviours and interactions

Simulating with AI and digital twins for a secure and resilient future

Traditional methods of simulating and comprehending complex systems are often insufficient in the connection between human population behaviours and physical infrastructure.

John Thangarajah

DFENCE RESEARCH SPECIAL REPORTDefence Research

Scientists Franke Agenbag and US Major Chris Rocker with the Buccaneer CubeSat. *** Local Caption *** The Buccaneer Main Mission cube-satellite, commonly known as a CubeSat, is a miniature satellite weighing around 9kg.The Buccaneer Main Mission will collect high-frequency (HF) measurements in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to better understand radio-frequency (RF) propagation through the ionosphere, and will, more broadly, inform future space-based capability for Defence and Australian industry.

Clever thinking goes a long way when the military is aiming to pack a punch

Australia needs ‘clever’ defence systems and equipment to protect the nation’s interests across a huge landmass and expanse of ocean, says Chief Defence Scientist Tanya Monro.

SIAN POWELL

DEFENCE RESEARCH SEPCIAL REPORTDefence Research

The Fishermans Bend campus will feature world-leading fluid dynamics research facilities (artist impression)

Advancing Australia’s defence capabilities

Our security environment is becoming more volatile and the need for collaboration between universities, industry and government is stronger than ever.

Len Sciacca

DEFENCE RESEARCH SPECIAL REPORTSpecial reports

HMAS Diamantina crew launch a Mine Disposal Vehicle during a sea ride for personnel from Defence Science and Technology Group on Port Phillip Bay, Victoria. *** Local Caption *** Sydney based, Huon Class Coastal Minehunter, HMAS Diamantina conducted a port visit to Melbourne, Victoria during the period 23-28 June 2022. Diamantina conducted training at sea and welcomed approximately a dozen civilian personnel from Defence Science and Technology Group for a sea going experience and a capability demonstration on 23 June 2022. The Minehunter's principal task is to keep Australia's maritime focal points for trade, free from the threat of mines. The Huon Class Minehunters are all named after Australian rivers. Diamantina is the second Royal Australian Navy ship to carry the name.

On target to fast-track development capability

A major mindset change is needed to develop new capabilities much more quickly, says Chief Defence Scientist Tanya Munro

Brendan Nicholson

DEFENCE RESEARCH SPECIAL REPORTSpecial reports

(L-R) Researchers Belinda Cham, Alex Boeing, Michael David Wilson, Katrina Hosszu, Luke Strickland, Karina Jorritsma, Mark Griffin and Sharon Parker from the Future of Work Institute at Curtin University stand on submarine HMAS Sheean at Fleet Base West in Western Australia. *** Local Caption *** A team of researchers from the Future of Work Institute at Curtin University have been working together with DST Maritime Division and the Royal Australian Navy to optimise submariner endurance and performance for future Attack Class Submarines. The Attack Class submarines were announced by the Chief of Navy, VADM Mike Noonan, AO, on 13 December 2018. The Australian Government ratified a Strategic Partnering Agreement with the French shipbuilding company Naval Group in a signing ceremony held in Canberra on 11 February 2019 which will see twelve regionally superior submarines designed and built in Australia. The Attack Class SSGs will provide Australia with the highest levels of lethality and deterrence during periods of global uncertainty. They will have the capability to conduct a variety of missions independently, or as part of a task group in order to meet Australia's unique capability requirements. These included superior sensor performance and stealth characteristics, as well as range and endurance similar to the Collins Class submarines. The Attack Class will begin entering service in the early 2030s replacing the six Collins Class submarines, which have been in service since HMAS Collins commissioned in 1996. The first of class submarine will be commissioned as HMAS Attack (II).

Curtin University pioneering Australia’s future in defence, national security and space

Curtin has built an exceptional reputation for innovation through cutting-edge research.This success is now being extended to address critical national resilience and security needs.

Gary Hale

DEFENCE RESEARCH SPECIAL REPORTSpecial reports

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, and the Minister for Defence Industry, Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP with Chief Defence Scientist, Defence Science and Technology Group, Professor Tanya Monro at the a annoucement of the establishment of the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator, delivering on a commitment to drive innovation that creates new capability for the Australian Defence Force. *** Local Caption *** On 28 April, in a joint statement, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP and the Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP announced the establishment of the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator. The Accelerator will be a new entity within Defence with the autonomy it needs to develop and deliver rapid technology solutions into the hands of the military personnel. It will be embedded within Defence to ensure that it is closely connected with the Defence strategic priorities, the Services and Defence’s science, technology and acquisition specialists. The Accelerator will officially commence on 1 July 2023 with a phased start up over the first 18 months to develop, test and refine the operating model and to complete cessation of the existing programs.

Defence Science Technology Group evolves to meet fresh challenges

The future of Australia’s defence depends on our ability to be on the front foot with capability development. Investing in a strong innovation, science and technology (IS&T) sector is critical to deliver on this intent.

Tanya Monro

DEFENCE RESEARCH SPECIAL REPORTSpecial reports

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, holds a joint press conference with his AUKUS counterparts, United States Secretary of Defence, the Hon Lloyd J. Austin III, and United Kingdom Secretary of State for Defence, the Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP, at the Defense Innovation Unit near San Francisco on 1 December 2023. *** Local Caption *** The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, travelled to the United States from 30 November to 3 December 2023 to meet with his counterparts and progress initiatives under the AUKUS trilateral partnership.

More clarity needed for AUKUS Pillar 2

The AUKUS partnership has two pillars. The first is about nuclear-powered submarines, but the second is about ‘advanced capabilities’ that the US, the UK and Australia will need to develop in partnership.

GREGOR FERGUSON

DEFENCE RESEARCH SEPCIAL REPORTSpecial reports

CADRE-OCE brings together academia and industry to co-develop novel technologies to address chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats.

Security collaborations benefit the nation

Tripartite partnerships between government, industry and universities will not only bolster national security but build the Australian economy of the future.

LEN SCIACCA

DEFENCE RESEARCH SPECIAL REPORTSpecial reports

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin (C) listens, flanked by British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps (R) and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles, during a joint press conference during the AUKUS Defense Ministerial Meeting in Mountain View, California, on December 1, 2023. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON / AFP)

Time is up for our modest funding of serious tech

Encompassing a wide range of advanced defence technologies from hypersonics to quantum, AUKUS Pillar 2 has missed out on the top-level political pageantry and big-ticket announcements.

Justin Burke

DEFENCE RESEARCH SPECIAL REPORTSpecial reports

The unmanned surface vessel Sea Hunter transits underneath the Sydney Harbor bridge as part of a scheduled port visit during Integrated Battle Problem (IBP) 23.2, Oct 24, 2023. IBP 23.2 is a Pacific Fleet exercise to test, develop and evaluate the integration of unmanned platforms into fleet operations to create warfighting advantages. (U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Pierson Hawkins) ALT: The lower shows one of the three US Navy autonomous ships which sailed uncrewed from San Diego to Sydney for EX Autonomous Warrior in September last year. Credit: US Navy 7th Fleet

Navy explores autonomy and optional crewing

Defence’s response to the Navy’s surface fleet review, published in February, said the RAN would field six Large Optionally Manned Surface Vessels in the 2030s to carry missile launch systems.

Gregor Ferguson

DEFENCE RESEARCH SPECIAL REPORTSpecial reports

Professor Emily Hilder, Head of the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) addresses the Quantum Australia 2024 Conference in Sydney.

Rapid and agile – ASCA is going head to head with the doubters

It’s been just nine months since the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator was formed. Few thought it would achieve anything worthwhile. Under its new head, Professor Emily Hilder, ASCA aims to prove the doubters wrong.

GREGOR FERGUSON

DEFENCE RESEARCH SPECIAL REPORTSpecial reports

Minister for Defence Industry and the Minister for International Development & the Pacific, The Hon Pat Conroy MP, addresses the media during a press conference at the release of the Defence Industry Development Strategy at CEA Technologies in Canberra. *** Local Caption *** Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP released the Defence Industry Development Strategy on 29 February 2024. The Strategy outlines a framework and principles for the future direction of defence industry policy during a vital decade in Australia’s national security. Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Vice Admiral David Johnston, AC, RAN, Deputy Secretary of Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group Christopher Deeble, AO, CSC, and Chief Guided Weapons and Enterprise Ordinance Group Air Marshal Leon Phillips, OAM were among the guests who attended the launch at CEA Technologies in Canberra.

AI testing signals leading-edge capabilities in robotic vehicles

Never before has a strong and sovereign innovation, science and technology sector been so important to our national security.

Pat Conroy

DEFENCE RESEARCH SPECIAL REPORTSpecial reports

Air Force Security, Aircraftman Joshua Church (left) and Airfield Defence Guard, Leading Aircraftman David Wilson, from No. 2 Security Forces Squadron operate the Sky Ranger R70 Unmanned Aerial System at RAAF Base Darwin in the Northern Territory. *** Local Caption *** The R70 Sky Ranger Unmanned Aerial System provides commanders and security forces enhanced situational awareness and improves decision making ability. Unmanned Aerial Systems have become a critical force multiplier for the operations of Air Force’s Security Forces (SECFOR). They currently employ the R70 Sky Ranger Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) to protect Airbases and enable operations with greater agility, speed and precision, as well as decreased risk to personnel.

Backing emerging technology puts us on track for future proofing

Last year’s Defence Strategic Review stated that Defence must harness advanced and emerging technologies to provide asymmetric advantage for the Australian Defence Force.

Nigel Pittaway

DEFENCE RESEARCH SPECIAL REPORTSpecial reports

Defence Science and Technology Group scientist Dr Ben Sparkes (left), working with Australian- built quantum clocks at the University of Adelaide. *** Local Caption *** Among the fleet of warships at last year’s (2022) The Rim of the Pacific Exercise, one carried a pair of Australian-built quantum clocks, believed to be some of the world’s most accurate. They were tested aboard HMNZA Aotearoa by Dr Ben Sparkes, a quantum technologist from Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) working alongside a team from the University of Adelaide. Dr Ben Sparkes has worked with Defence for three years and been part of the team developing the two different quantum clocks used on the trial. The clocks used were a Rubidium clock that uses two infrared lasers and a ytterbium clock that uses a green laser. Quantum clocks measure energy transition inside an atom, while traditional clocks measure a mechanical device that oscillates. According to Dr Sparkes the benefit is that atoms provide the same time anywhere in the universe. The goal is to eventually build them the same size as the commercial clocks but with better performance.

Industry forging ahead with Quantum PNT work

Drawing on Australia’s strong reputation in quantum technologies, scientists at DSTG, in partnership with universities and industry, are forging ahead with quantum positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) research.

Justin Burke

DEFENCE RESEARCH SPECIAL REPORTSpecial reports

Year 10 students participating in a virtual reality workshop as a part of the year 10 work experience program run by Defence Science and Technology Group” (we don’t have access to school/team/individuals names for this photo in particular).

‘Essential to open STEM door to the widest diversity of Australians possible’

Defence is working to inspire and encourage children, adolescents and adults from all backgrounds to pursue STEM careers.

Sian Powell

DEFENCE RESEARCH SPECIAL REPORTSpecial reports

A UK Viking Multirole Unmanned Ground Vehicle operates during Trusted Operation of Robotic Vehicles in a Contested Environment (TORVICE) trial. *** Local Caption *** A Trusted Operation of Robotic Vehicles in a Contested Environment (TORVICE) trial was held in South Australia in late 2023. The live trial involved personnel from Australia, the US and UK testing autonomous ground vehicles in a contested electronic warfare environment. TORVICE is part of Australia's commitment to AUKUS Pillar II Advanced Capabilities.

New global frictions drive push to AI world

Australian defence experts have been developing responsible artificial intelligence defence systems, galvanised by increasing geopolitical friction during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Sian Powell

DEFENCE RESEARCH SPECIAL REPORTSpecial reports

Australian Army display during the More, Together Awards and Summit Awards at the Australian Defence Science Technology and Research (ADSTAR) Summit 2022 *** Local Caption *** The Australian Defence Science Technology and Research (ADSTAR) Summit is Australia's principal forum for sharing and showcasing defence-related research and innovation. The summit brings together innovators, entrepreneurs, small business, big business, universities, industry and government to network, share ideas and help shape future collaboration. The theme for 2022 was 'Resilience', how to prevail in rapidly changing and unpredictable settings. Specifically, the summit will focus on: Resilience in contested environments; the use of artificial intelligence; and the use of human and defensive biotechnologies.

Strategic advantage key to ADSTAR conference

ADSTAR 2024 will feature the latest developments in next-generation defence science and technology

Sian Powell

DEFENCE RESEARCH SPECIAL REPORTSpecial reports

Remote Pilot Warfare Officer Sub-Lieutenant Nicholas Masini launches the Shiebel S100 Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle at Jervis Bay Airfield, Jervis Bay Territory. *** Local Caption *** The Royal Australian Navy is a modern military organisation which operates advanced vessels and aircraft. Its personnel are expertly trained and capable to perform a vast array of duties which contribute to Australia's defense capability. Navy offers a wide variety of job roles, with options to suit most interests. The Navy champions gender equality and embraces diversity as a capability multiplier. People who join the Navy enjoy great pay and conditions, opportunities for personal and professional growth, and a life full of experiences not found in the civilian world. ALT: Image of an RAN pilot operating a Scviebel S-100 Camcopter UAS are for the TAS DCRC story

Helping the drone war balance autonomy and in-flight ethics

The Defence-funded Trusted Autonomous Systems Defence CRC (TAS DCRC) in Brisbane has become a global leader in the ethics of autonomy.

GREGOR FERGUSON

DEFENCE RESEARCH SPECIAL REPORTSpecial reports

ASCA: embracing courage to take Defence further, faster

The Advanced Strategic Capability Accelerator (ASCA), has embraced courage in every aspect of how it is transforming the way breakthrough military solutions are delivered.

Emily Hilder

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/special-reports/defence-research

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