The Australian Government to establish a national network of Australian universities to accelerate research and development (R&D) and build the future work force essential for a sustainable Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise.
“This network will engage the best and brightest minds in Australia, ensuring that our world class researchers gain real world insights into how energetic materials are used in today’s strategic environment," Chief Defence Scientist, Tanya Monro, said.
“Investing in energetic material technologies strengthens GWEO sovereign capability, helps mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities and delivers an asymmetric advantage to our ADF."
Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) will launch the Australian Energetic Materials Research Network in collaboration with Flinders University and RMIT University, who have been selected as strategic partners to lead the initiative.
“Cutting-edge research in the formulation, manufacturing and integration of energetic material technologies creates opportunities for Australian industry, including highly skilled jobs, and enhances GWEO preparedness," Monro stated.
This initiative will provide opportunities for students and researchers to gain real world insights into the applied aspects of energetic materials in the Defence context.
Energetic materials and technologies encompass advanced explosives, propellants and pyrotechnics that are designed to deliver superior performance.
Advanced energetic materials are required for emerging domains such as hypersonics and long range precision fires – both identified in the National Defence Strategy (NDS) as priority areas for innovation, science and technology.