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Flinders University, DST and DEWC have announced a $5 million memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a centre of excellence to support research and development and the growth of an electronic warfare workforce in South Australia.
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A five-year, $5 million initiative to develop and sustain electronic warfare (EW) related skills in the defence sector is being established at Flinders University.
Jointly funded by Defence and Flinders University, the centre will use training programs and research to develop and sustain EW related skills in defence – the new National Electronic Warfare Centre will be established as part of the $5 million initiative to grow the EW defence workforce.
Defence Minister Linda Reynolds welcomed the launch of the centre, stating, "This government is committed to providing the ADF with the best possible capability to defend Australia’s national interests. That is why we are investing an unprecedented $20 billion over the next decade in electronic warfare capabilities in the ADF.
"Key to ensuring these capabilities are fit-for-purpose is a strong workforce, comprised of practitioners and researchers across the ADF, Australian Public Service, academia and industry."
EW involves protection and management of the use of the electromagnetic spectrum, including radar, electro-optic and communications systems.
Chief Defence Scientist Professor Tanya Monro said that this initiative exemplifies Defence’s strategy of co-investing with universities and industries to grow research capacity and training pathways in identified areas of national priority.
The chair will provide leadership in the establishment of Flinders University as one of the world-leading providers of education and research in EW and establish and deliver within Flinders University a range of significant joint R&D activities that will explore potential and emerging disruptive technologies related to EW.
Flinders University vice-chancellor Professor Colin Stirling said it is further evidence of Flinders’ research strength in defence.
"The establishment of an EW chair at Flinders University will leverage our research expertise, contribute to strengthening Australia’s sovereign defence capability and is a further example of our approach to building a skilled workforce to meet the current and emerging needs of the defence sector," Professor Stirling said.
DEWC T&E chief executive Glenn Murray added, "This strategic partnership will build on our shared expertise in delivering EW-related skills fundamental to building a workforce capable of supporting major defence projects, the Australian Defence Force and defence industry nationally.
"The partnership will utilise DEWC’s School of Information Operations EW expertise to support the building and delivery of education and training."
Recruitment for the chair will begin immediately, and new undergraduate and post graduate courses in electromagnetic systems and security are being developed that will complement and include topics from Flinders University’s strong programs in cyber security. Courses will commence from January 2021.
The centre will be based at the Flinders University Tonsley campus in South Australia.
