Richard Marles, Australia’s minister for defense, has introduced in Parliament proposed legislation to tighten the transfer of military technology to foreign interests except AUKUS allies the United States and the United Kingdom. Marles filed the Defence Trade Controls Amendment Bill 2023 ahead of his U.S. visit to attend the AUKUS Defense Ministers’ Meeting in California. The...
Category: Australia
AUKUS Could Involve More Countries in Efforts to Integrate Emerging Technologies Into Military
Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States are mulling the possibility of welcoming the contributions of other countries in Pillar 2 of their AUKUS security partnership. AUKUS has two lines of effort: Pillar 1 is focused on aiding Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines while Pillar 2 will explore the integration of emerging technologies in military...
Australia Agrees to Explore Strategic Shipbuilder Agreement With Austal
The Australian government has signed a heads of agreement with Austal to create a strategic shipbuilder agreement, which if ultimately forged would install the company as the government’s strategic shipbuilder in Henderson, West Australia. According to Austal’s announcement of the preliminary agreement, the HoA defines the SSA’s key principles and sets the discussion points and...
Accenture Seals Deal for Acquisition of New Zealand’s Solnet
Global professional services company Accenture has completed its acquisition of Solnet, a New Zealand IT services provider. The Accenture press release on the latest acquisition did not disclose the terms of the acquisition but noted that it adds over 100 cloud technology professionals to Accenture New Zealand, which maintains offices in Auckland and Wellington. Solnet,...
Bipartisan Bill Seeks to Drive AI Advancement Among Five Eyes Allies
Reps. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., have filed the Five AIs Act directing the Secretary of Defense to form a working group for the development of artificial intelligence within the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. According to a press release from Gallagher’s office issued on Tuesday, the proposed legislation will enable the United States,...
Owl Cyber Defense Enters Australia, NZ Markets With GME Agreement
GME, a Sydney-based communication technology company, has signed a memorandum of understanding for the distribution of Owl Cyber Defense’s cybersecurity solutions in Australia and New Zealand. Formerly known as Owl Computing Technologies, Owl Cyber Defense is based in Columbia, Maryland. The MOU’s delivery and support mechanism will be based in Australia and cover Owl’s cybersecurity...
Australia Buying BAE Systems’ Naval Guns for Hunter-Class Warships
The Australian government has awarded BAE Systems a contract to supply Mk 45 medium caliber guns and the automated Ammunition Handling System to the Royal Australian Navy’s new Hunter-class frigates. According to BAE, Mk 45 will provide RAN with a setup that can easily incorporate advanced munitions for the firepower needed in Hunter class missions....
Australia Pushes for Seamless Tech Sharing Among AUKUS Allies
The Australian Ministry of Defence has published draft legislation that seeks to make it easier for Australia and its AUKUS allies the United States and the United Kingdom exchange information on advanced technologies. The bill’s summary reveals Australia’s agenda of establishing an export license-free system to support industry, higher education and research advancements among the...
Australia Signs infosec Deal With European Partners
Australia has signed the Security Agreement on the Protection of Classified Information under the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation, according to a joint media release Tuesday from Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Minister for Defence Pat Conroy. The pact opens classified information exchange between Australia and the European intergovermental organization, known by its...
AUKUS Maneuvers Test Warfare Capabilities of Uncrewed Undersea Vessels
The AUKUS alliance of Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States has tested the warfare capabilities of their new uncrewed underwater vessels and related equipment and personnel. According to a news release from the Department of Defense, the naval maneuvers included the launch of the new Australian Defence Vessel Guidance, which featured a range...