Australia announces funding for new future defence technology projects

28 March 2014 army-technology.com

The Australian Department of Defence is investing up to $13m for development of future defence technology under Round 18 of the Capability and Technology Demonstrator (CTD) programme.

Managed by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DTSO), the CTD programme enhances Australia's defence capabilities by offering local industry an opportunity to develop and demonstrate new technologies.

Australian Defence Minister Senator David Johnston said that seven technology proposals from Australian companies and universities have been selected to demonstrate possible defence applications in 2014.

"These proposals have the potential to advance defence capability, produce innovative products for defence and civilian use, and stimulate Australian industry growth," Johnston added.

The projects were submitted by GPSat Systems Australia, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, CEA Technologies, Adelaide Research & Innovation (University of Adelaide), EM Solutions, BAE Systems Australia and Lockheed Martin Australia.

The proposals include a new technology for improved detection of interference sources affecting GPS, a portable fuel cell to boost energy support to forward operating bases, software for rapid submarine communications, and a sound deadener to improve submarine stealth through reduction in exhaust noise from diesel engines.

Other proposals include the development of a portable global wideband satellite communications terminal suitable for smaller ships, technology to improve the processing performance of maritime radars, as well as a miniature radio frequency kit for next generation decoys that protect Australian Defence Forces (ADF) platforms from missiles.

Australian Assistant Defence Minister Stuart Robert said the department has invested $263m in 112 projects since the beginning of the CTD programme, half of which were proposed by small-to-medium enterprises.

"Of these, 96 projects have provided successful demonstrations to date, with 15 having entered service," Robert added.

The new CTD projects are scheduled to start in mid-2014, subject to satisfactory contract negotiations.