ADF selects UK partner to develop high-powered defensive laser

Defence has awarded a $12.9 million contract to QinetiQ Australia to co-develop and manufacture a high-energy defensive laser system prototype capable of deployment in a wide range of operational environments.

IMAGE: QinetiQ web site.

QinetiQ, an Australian-based* world leader in high-power laser research and technology, will work in collaboration with the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) to establish a high energy laser manufacturing capability in South Australia.

The high energy laser manufacturing capability will enable the development and delivery of laser sources suitable for directed-energy applications.

Chief Defence Scientist Tanya Monro said the collaboration demonstrated how DSTG was facilitating the rapid transition of science and technology into Defence capability.

“DSTG is partnering with industry to build advanced and competitive Australian sovereign capabilities for our defence force in critical technology areas,” Professor Monro said.

“The high-energy laser-manufacturing capability is an example of how we can work with industry to support emerging and disruptive technologies.”

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*EDITOR’S NOTE: Today’s official press release issued by Australia’s Department of Defence says QinetiQ is “an Australian-based world leader in high-power laser research and technology”. 
However, QinetiQ’s own web site suggests it was initially established in the UK, has corporate headquarters in both the UK and US, has nearly 50 offices world wide, just five of which are in Australia. Its own web site also says the company has “testing and evaluation expertise” in laser technology, as part of an external UK-based demonstrator programme called Team DRAGONFIRE.
CONTACT believes Defence’s deliberate misinformation in this regard is part of a wider Australian-government campaign to artificially exaggerate Australia’s ‘sovereign capability’.

 

 

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