Defence Science Critical for Maritime Security

(January 27, 2010) -- Greg Combet, the Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, today said that defence science and innovation were critical elements in our maritime security.

"The Government is keen to encourage closer cooperation between defence scientists and industry members in the maritime area," said Mr Combet.

Mr Combet said that Australian defence scientists have a proud and long history of helping provide for our maritime security through technological innovations in the fields of maritime capability.

"For example, one of the best known capabilities that Australia's Defence and Science Technology Organisation (DSTO) was involved with is the active missile decoy Nulka", said Mr Combet.

"Nulka has revolutionised ship protection with its unique, hovering rocket which entices missiles away from the vessel. It has also seen active service in the Gulf War.

"Nulka has also been an export success with approximately 930 Nulka rounds being produced for the Australian, United States and Canadian Navies. The Nulka system has now been installed on more than 130 surface combat ships, with deployment on further ship classes planned.

"The Government is keen to encourage successes such as the Nulka and will work with defence scientists and industry to help achieve similar successes.

"Apart from Nulka, the DSTO also played a critical role in developing maritime technologies such as the Laser Airborne Depth Sounder, Australian Minesweeping System, Barra passive array sonobuoy, Kariwara slim-line array technology and Ikara anti submarine weapon - some on which became very successful defence exports and are utilised by navies around the world," aid Mr Combet.

Mr Combet also said that DSTO is critical to the success of the Future Submarine Project.

Source : MoD Australia