QinetiQ Australia has been awarded a $12.9 million contract to collaborate with the Department of Defence to co-develop and manufacture a high energy defensive laser system prototype in South Australia.
Under the agreement, QinetiQ will work with the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) to establish a high energy laser manufacturing capability in Australia.
The manufacturing capability will enable the development and delivery of laser sources suitable for directed energy applications.
“We are incredibly proud of the long-standing and deep partnership between QinetiQ Australia and DSTG,” Simon Fredericks, Managing Director, Engineering Services, QinetiQ Australia said. “By leveraging QinetiQ’s high-power laser technology and test and evaluation expertise in collaboration with DSTG’s scientific innovation, we will deliver enhanced sovereign capability to the ADF.”
Chief Defence Scientist, Professor Tanya Monro AC, added: “DSTG is partnering with industry to build advanced and competitive Australian sovereign capabilities for our Defence Force in critical technology areas. The high energy laser manufacturing capability is an example of how we can work with industry to support emerging and disruptive technologies.”
