$82M Defence Centre created to boost technology innovation

Dubbed the Defence Materials Technology Centre, it was created to drive innovation in Defence technology.

The Centre will focus on four key research programs; air platforms, maritime platforms; armour applications and propulsion systems.

Warren Snowdon, Minister for Defence Science and Personnel said that a number of significant outcomes would be delivered through the Centre.

"The Centre will deliver improved high-tech materials for use in major Defence acquisitions such as the Joint Strike Fighter," he said. "The goal of this program will be to produce engineers and scientists with skills attractive to the Defence industry and other research providers."

Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) will also benefit from the Centre through the establishment of a technology transfer program to help SMEs compete in the global manufacturing market.

"The Centre will enhance the nation’s Defence capability and Australia’s international reputation for innovation by bringing together the combined expertise and resources of key industry representatives, universities and publicly funded research agencies," Snowden said.

According to Snowdon a key element of the collaboration is the adoption and application of world leading material engineering capabilities, which will be used to develop, integrate and validate new materials and manufacturing technologies across existing and planned Defence platforms and structures.

The Centre will primarily be located in Victoria and will receive Australian Government funding of $30 million and a further $52 million from its collaborative partners.

These partners include major companies such as BAE Systems Australia, GKN Aerospace, BlueScope Steel, Surface Technology Coatings, Thales Australia and the Cooperative Research Centre for Advanced Composite Structures.