Australia’s Defence Innovation Hub has awarded contracts to three domestic businesses for the additional development of technologies to help improve the nation’s combat capabilities.

The three Australian companies include Aerospace and Mechanical Consulting Engineers (AMCE), Unmanned Aerial Systems, and Defence Materials Technology Centre.

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Under the terms of the contract with AMCE, the company will be responsible for developing the latest lightweight armour solution for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) aircraft using panels designed with new materials and ballistic protection level.

Unmanned Aerial Systems will offer an innovative solution by combining the features of a helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft with an aim to improve performance, efficiency and capability.

Defence Materials Technology Centre has also been contracted to develop lightweight armour for soldiers equipped with improved protection levels and functional integration.

“Investing in defence innovation will not only build the innovation capabilities of Australian industry and research organisations, it will also deliver innovative capability solutions.”

Australian Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne said that, with a total value of more than $1.2m, the three contracts support the Australian Government’s commitment to boost the local defence industry and develop advanced capabilities.

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Pyne said: “The Defence Innovation Hub is supporting Australian industry throughout all development stages of the innovation process, from concept exploration and technology demonstration, through to prototyping and integrating capability demonstration and evaluation.

“Investing in defence innovation will not only build the innovation capabilities of Australian industry and research organisations, it will also deliver innovative capability solutions for use by defence.”

The Defence Innovation Hub is investing approximately $640m until 2025-2026.

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