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Defence has invested in weapons delivery systems and rocket propellants, with the signing of a new agreement between Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group and a Victorian SME.
DST Group and engineering company DefendTex signed a 30-month agreement for research into energetic materials and systems.
Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne said through the new agreement new technologies will be investigated for high performance solid rocket propellants, as well as new systems for delivery of weapons, giving defence the technological edge for the future.
"Our small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are key to building Australia’s sovereign industry capability through innovation and I welcome this new agreement with DefendTex," the minister said.
"Partnerships with SMEs like DefendTex offer new opportunities for defence to draw on the untapped expertise of the small business sector.
"The agreement also involves a staff exchange and secondment program that will help industry skilling by sharing knowledge and expertise."
The agreement was signed at DST Group's Partnerships Week in Adelaide, an annual external engagement event open to invited representatives from industry, academia, research agencies, defence and stakeholders from the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) community.
Based in Melbourne, DefendTex carries out research and development in weapons systems with both Australia and international partners.
DefendTex's Firestorm, a configurable multi-barrel, multi-calibre crew-served or remotely operated electronic weapon system, has successfully demonstrated its capabilities under separate contracts for the US Navy and US Army.
