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QinetiQ Australia has officially opened QinetiQ Laboratories, a first-of-its-kind research facility located in Mawson Lakes, South Australia.
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The facility, inaugurated by Australia’s Chief Defence Scientist, Professor Tanya Monro, represents a significant advancement in Australia’s defence technology and scientific research infrastructure.
QinetiQ Laboratories (QLabs) is designed to enable the development of contemporary software engineering and rapid prototyping capabilities to support the integrated joint force outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy and the 2024 Integrated Investment Program.
Gary Stewart, chief executive QinetiQ Australia Sector, said, “The establishment of QLabs marks a significant milestone in our efforts to grow Australia’s sovereign industrial ecosystem.”
QinetiQ’s new facility will support several key programs including the Directed Energy Program, in partnership with the Defence Science and Technology Group, which aims to support the establishment and commercialisation of a high energy laser capability in Australia, drawing on the company’s expertise from QinetiQ’s parent company, a member of the DragonFire consortium on behalf of the UK Ministry of Defence.
“It expands our niche software development and machine learning capabilities, and we look forward to furthering collaborations and innovation to safeguard Australia’s national security,” Stewart said.
The contract was announced in April 2023 and will result in the completion of a technology demonstrator at the end of the first quarter of 2025.
QLabs also provides expertise and support into many other defence capabilities including:
- Contracted support into System Program Offices within the Capability, Acquisition and Sustainment Group.
- Research and development and program management expertise to Defence Science and Technology Group, Edinburgh.
- Trials management and support to the Joint Proof Experimental Unit at Port Wakefield.
- Developing digital test and evaluation applications for the Australian Defence Force.
QinetiQ Australia currently employs 110 people in South Australia, with a footprint of 1,200 across Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany and Canada.
