Special Reports

Defence Research

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

DEFENCE RESEARCH SPECIAL REPORTDefence Research

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

Agent-based modelling excels at simulating the behaviours and interactions

DEFENCE RESEARCHDefence Research

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

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.

DFENCE RESEARCH SPECIAL REPORTDefence Research

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

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

DEFENCE RESEARCH SEPCIAL REPORTDefence Research

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

AVALON 2025Avalon Air Show

Sky not the limit for SA defence capabilities

A delegation of more than 60 South Australian-based defence companies will converge on Avalon to demonstrate cutting-edge innovation and research technologies.

David Goldsmith

AVALON 2025Avalon Air Show

Sky not the limit for SA defence capabilities

A delegation of more than 60 South Australian-based defence companies will converge on Avalon to demonstrate cutting-edge innovation and research technologies.

David Goldsmith

Three F-35A Lightning II aircraft transit to Japan for Exercise Bushido Guardian 2023. *** Local Caption *** Exercise Bushido Guardian 2023 (BG23) is a bilateral air combat exercise involving the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF, or Koku-Jieitai) and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) from 04-15 September 2023. Held at Komatsu Air Base in Japan, RAAF participation on this exercise includes F-35A Lightning II aircraft from No. 75 Squadron, marking the first time RAAF F-35As have travelled to Japan as part of the biennial Bushido Guardian exercises, highlighting the continued interoperability and relationship enhancement between the two nations. Australia is committed to a strong bilateral special strategic partnership with Japan, and contribute with our partners to the collective security of the Indo-Pacific.

AVALON 2025Special reports

Interoperability key to security of region

Without a high level of interoperability, well-aligned coalitions can face significant hurdles. Australia is committed to strengthening our forces with allies across multiple fronts.

Warren McDonald

MQ-28A Ghost Bat aircraft on a runway. *** Local Caption *** The first military combat aircraft to be designed, engineered and manufactured in Australia in more than 50 years, the MQ-28A Ghost Bat is an autonomous air vehicle intended to operate as part of an integrated system of crewed and un-crewed aircraft and space-based capabilities. Collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) such as the MQ-28A Ghost Bat are entirely new technology. The aircraft are ‘managed’ by crewed platforms but have the ability to operate autonomously without continuous control from air or ground-based crews. While the MQ-28A is developmental, continued investment preserves the platform as a sovereign development opportunity that could provide a pathway for potentially accelerated acquisition of a CCA capability in the future.

AVALON 2025Special reports

Australia’s key role in developing uncrewed combat jets

During the course of last year, a new term entered the defence lexicon – the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, or CCA. It’s a disruptive technology, it’s new and it’s something that is being introduced into the battlespace.

Nigel Pittaway

An uncertain national security environment highlights the need for sovereign supply chains

AVALON 2025Special reports

Australia needs to accelerate development of sovereign supply chains

A year ago, economic issues were of a top concern for global leaders. Today, geopolitics and the apparent fragility of the post-Cold War global order is front of mind.

PHILLIP ROBERTS

Anduril Industries’ PULSAR Electromagnetic Warfare (AW) system during a recent demonstration in Australia leading up to three-year trial which began in September last year. Credit: Anduril Australia

AVALON 2025Special reports

Tender for new tech to combat drones in battle

By the end of this year the Australian Army aims to be fielding a baseline anti-drone capability; by the middle of this year a company will be named as Defence’s Strategic Integration Partner, or SIP, to deliver this.

GREGOR FERGUSON

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/special-reports/page/51

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