Strategy | Pioneering past
Defence S&T research has been undertaken in Australia since 1907. For over 100 years, Defence scientists have established an impressive record of achievements.
Many of these accomplishments, including the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN), were the ultimate outcome of fundamental research that was matured through a gradual process. Partnerships were critical, but the roles of partners tended to align with specific stages of that maturation process. Universities tended to be engaged early, with industry partners selected at a later stage of research translation. Other landmark achievements that had their origins in Defence innovation, such as the Nulka active missile decoy, faced different challenges on the way to being introduced into service.
Over time, the approach to defence S&T has evolved, and research is now undertaken through a more systematic engagement with partners.
A history of Defence S&T achievements
- 2019 : Non-intrusive flight test instrument system
- 2017–Now : Evader super-sonic target
- 2016 : Passive radar
- 2015 : Redwing/Silvershield IED Protection
- 2014 : Black Canary personal multi-agent detector
- 2013 : JDAM-ER
- 2011 : Diggerworks
- 2002 : Laser Detection and Ranging (LADAR)
- 1996 : Theatre broadcast system
- 1993–Now : Collins CLass submarine improvements
- 1992 : Starlight secure computing system
- 1990 : SEAMARK search and rescue water dye
- 1983 : Aeromed retrieval unit
- 1975 : LASER airborne depth sounder
- 1972–Now : JORN
- 1970–Now : Nulka active missile decoy
- 1967 : WRESAT satellite
- 1964 : Barra sonobuoy
- 1959 : Ikara anti-submarine missile
- 1953 : Black box
- 1948 : Jindivik sub-sonic remote-controlled target
