The Department of Defence has partnered with Flinders University and an electronic warfare company owned and managed by ADF veterans to establish a Centre of Expertise for Electronic Warfare in Australia.
Making the announcement, Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price said Defence and Flinders University would co-fund a Defence Science Partnership (DSP) worth $5 million over five years.
According the Minister, the $5 million in funding will see a Centre of Expertise for Electronic Warfare established, with Defence Scientist Professor Sam Drake appointed as the inaugural Flinders University Academic Chair of Electromagnetic Systems and Security.
She said Defence and Flinders have joined DEWC T&E, a SA-based company that delivers Electronic Warfare training through the School of Information Operations, to establish a Professional Electronic Warfare Training, Education and Research (PEWTER) Memorandum of Understanding.
“Having a skilled Electronic Warfare workforce comprising both practitioners and researchers across Defence, academia and industry is key to ensuring future defence capabilities are fit-for-purpose and future proofed,” Minister Price said.
“Talent acquisition and retention are critical to delivering an effective and enduring Electronic Warfare workforce across Defence.
“The Morrison Government, Flinders University and DEWC T&E recognise the urgent need for increased quantity and quality of personnel with the skills and background to meet our national strategic needs in Electronic Warfare.”
Minister Price said Professor Drake and his team will work in partnership with Defence scientists to establish Electronic Warfare-focused education and research programs.
“They will also facilitate professional Electronic Warfare training and research to stimulate and sustain workforce development,” she continued.
“The 2020 Defence Strategic Update outlines increased investment in Electronic Warfare capabilities across all domains.
“These advanced capabilities will provide the ADF with a strategic and tactical advantage to keep pace with the evolving operating environment.”
