Defence and Flinders University will be establish a new National Electronic Warfare Centre as part of a five-year, $5 million initiative develop and sustain Electronic Warfare (EW) related skills in the defence sector.
Located the University’s Tonsley campus, the new centre will use training programs and research to grow Australia’s EW defence workce and to provide the ADF with strategic and tactical advantages in the evolving operating environment.
Minister for Defence, Linda Reynolds said the Government was 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,” the Minister said.
“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.”
Additionally, Flinders University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Defence Science and Technology Group (DST), Joint Capabilities Group and leading industry group DEWC to drive impactful research and deliver education and training to build an EW workforce that is equipped to support the national interest.
EW involves protection and management of the use of the electromagnetic spectrum, including radar, electro-optic and communications systems.
DEWC T&E CEO Glenn Murray said the strategic partnership will build on their shared expertise in delivering EW-related skills fundamental to building a workforce capable of supporting major defence projects, the ADF 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,” Mr Murray noted.
Commenting on these announcements, Flinders University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling said:
“Flinders University has a national and international reputation in this area, and we are pleased to be partnering with 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 concluded.
