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The Australian federal government has purchased 80 new explosive ordnance disposal robots for the Australian Defence Force under a $46 million contract with L3Harris Micreo.
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The Queensland aerospace company will manufacture and deliver the robots, which use cameras and sensors to find, examine, and neutralise improvised explosive devices and explosive hazards.
The new robots will replace current in-service robots used by Australian personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy made the announcement on a visit to Cairns.
“Cairns will have a vital role to play in our future national security, as we reshape and modernise the Australian Defence Force to prepare for the strategic circumstances we face,” he said.
“As the Defence Strategic Review makes clear, we need to improve the Defence Force’s ability to operate from Australia’s northern bases, which includes Cairns.
“A genuine partnership between the government and defence industry companies, including in Queensland, will be critical.
“The new robots for the Australian Defence Force, to be made in Queensland, are an example of building our local industry and workforce on innovative technologies.”
The announcement coincides with federal funding totalling $3.8 billion being invested over four years to strengthen Australia’s northern bases, in response to the Defence Strategic Review.
That funding includes development of critical airbases and maritime estate investments including HMAS Cairns.
Queensland Senator Nita Green said it’s an exciting time for the future of the region.
“I am also pleased to have Minister Conroy in Cairns today touring our shipyards and highlighting our government’s $150 million investment in the Cairns Marine Precinct,” she said.
“Far North Queensland is the gateway to the pacific and it is great to see our government committed to the improvement of our defence capabilities as we look to the future of the Australian Defence Force.”
American technology parent company, L3Harris Technologies, recently applauded Australia’s decision to join the AUKUS trilateral security partnership with the United Kingdom and the United States.
“The announcement sends a clear and strong message to our international partners that deterrence and security in the Indo-Pacific remain a strategic priority,” a company statement said.
“L3Harris is ready to bolster AUKUS’ progress on advanced initiatives such as artificial intelligence and autonomy, quantum technologies, cyber and undersea capabilities.
“Our presence in all three countries will facilitate and accelerate progress — in collaboration with the government, industry, and emerging new technology companies.”
