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DSTO And ADI Forge New Links In Network Centric Warfare

The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) and private sector defence company ADI Limited have strengthened research and development links in the critical domain of Network Centric Warfare (NCW).

DSTO and ADI today signed a Strategic R&D Alliance agreement which has a strong NCW focus. Under the new agreement, DSTO and ADI will develop a long term, strategic collaboration program which will build on a lower level Industry Alliance which has existed between the two organisations since 1996.

DSTO and ADI will investigate techniques for modelling the capability enhancement delivered by Network Centric Warfare systems as an early focus under the new agreement.

Network Centric Warfare refers to the concept of applying modern computing and communications technology to link sensors, weapons systems and the people who control them. The desired effect is that the commander in the field understands the situation faster than an adversary, and is able to precisely deliver weapons and other effects before the adversary has time to act.

In addition to NCW, the Alliance will include focus areas in weapons technology, mine warfare, maritime operations, electronic warfare, communications networks and architecture, and aerospace systems.
The Alliance's objective is to promote mutually beneficial communication between DSTO and Australian industry on matters of strategic significance to Defence, defence self-reliance or defence capability development.

Australia's Chief Defence Scientist Dr Roger Lough said the agreement highlighted the strong links DSTO had with Australian industry.

"This agreement builds on the already strong links we have with ADI and reflects the priority we place on our relationship with Australian industry."

Dr Lough and ADI Managing Director Mr Lucio Di Bartolomeo signed the agreement at DSTO's Edinburgh laboratory, north of Adelaide.

Mr Di Bartolomeo said that the agreement's broad ranging focus areas recognised both ADI's extensive capabilities and that the systems the Australian Defence Force will acquire in the future would be network centric.

"The addition of focus areas specifically related to Network Centric Warfare and Communications Networks and Architectures is critical," he said.

Under the new Alliance agreement, two additional Interactive Project Agreements, known as the ELEXSA IPA and Photonics IPA, were also signed today.

Manager, Defence Science Communications (Edinburgh)

Mr Steve Butler
Defence Science Communications

DSTO Edinburgh
PO BOX 1500
Edinburgh
South Australia 5111

Phone:

(08) 8259 6923

Fax:

08 8259 6191

Email:

stephen.butler@dsto.defence.gov.au

The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) is part of Australia's Department of Defence. DSTO's role is to ensure the expert, impartial and innovative application of science and technology to the defence of Australia and its national interests.

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