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The rapid data processing capability is tipped to support the development of modern weapons systems, including technology promised under the AUKUS agreement.
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Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles has officially unveiled “Taingiwilta” — an advanced supercomputing capability developed with the support of the US Department of Defense’s High Performance Computing Modernisation Program.
Taingiwilta — launched at the Defence Science and Technology Group site at the Edinburgh Defence Precinct in Edinburgh, South Australia — is reportedly capable of processing data up to a million times faster than a standard computer.
The technology is expected to support the design, development and analysis of next-generation weapons and national security systems.
This is tipped to include the Royal Australian Navy’s future nuclear-powered submarines, quantum technologies, and artificial intelligence systems as part of the AUKUS technology-sharing agreement.
Taingiwilta, which means “powerful” in the language of the Kaurna people, is housed in a purpose-built secure facility called “Mukarntu”, meaning “computer”.
“For much of the work done by our Defence scientists, data is critical,” Minister Marles said.
“But even more important than the data itself, is the ability to rapidly and reliably analyse and process that data.
“This high-performance computing facility provides a secure and sovereign capability to do just that.”
Minister Marles added the technology would also support stronger collaboration with international partners.
“Defence acknowledges the assistance provided by representatives of the US Department of Defense’s High Performance Computing Modernisation Program who willingly shared their 30 years of knowledge and experience to support Australia’s work to establish this world-class capability,” he said.
Taingiwilta is the latest of a number of new Defence technologies unveiled over the past week and follows the Chief of Army Symposium in Adelaide.
Among the new capabilities showcased was an electric Bushmaster Protected Military Vehicle (ePMV).
The electric variant has been developed by 3ME Technology in Newcastle, NSW over the past 12-15 months in collaboration with Army, the Robotic and Autonomous Systems Implementation & Coordination Office (RICO), and the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG).
The ePMV is reportedly capable of accelerating up to four times faster than a conventionally powered Bushmaster, operating with reduced noise and a reduced heat signature.
