Defence industry news briefs – stories you might have missed

$158 million vehicle upgrade for defence

The federal government has signed a $158 million contract with infrastructure services grkoup Ventia upgrade the current fleet of ADF engineering vehicles, providing the ADF with a further 291 vehicles. The acquisition and sustainment of the Engineer Support Platforms covers cranes, excavators, bulldozers, loaders, telehandlers, forklifts, graders and rollers. The work will create 23 new jobs and supporting the continuing employment of another 65.

$10 million in SME contracts from Naval Group

Naval Group Australia has issued over $10 million in contracts to more than 100 local companies to supply and test common technology components which are being considered for use in the new Attack Class submarines. Items categorised as common technology for the project include steels and alloys, insulation, fasteners, pipes, filters, O-rings, hoses, sockets, valves, seals, cables and switches. These are items which are manufactured by suppliers, and then submitted to a rigorous testing and qualification process to ensure they meet the exacting standards required. A Naval manager Stuart Lindley said the submarines were extremely complex machines with around one million parts and components.” Lindley said: “This represents a huge opportunity for Australian industry to supply components, as we continue to grow the sovereign supply chains which are needed to support this great national endeavour.”

McGurk to leave Codan on a high

The managing director of radio technology company Codan Donald McGurk has announced his retirement form the business after revealing a record net profit and strong trading conditions. McGurk, who will retire within the next year, is closely associated with the growth and success of Codan which manufactures secure radio systems and Minelab portable gold detectors (pictured). Since McGurk took the helm of the Adelaide company in 2012 its market capitalisation has grown 15-fold to $3.2 billion. The company announced a net profit up 41 per cent to $90.2 million and an underlying profit of $97.3 million.

AML, Lightforce aim for 3D printed titanium armour

Wire additive manufacturing (WAM) company AML3D and defence manufacturer Lightforce have extended their collaboration developing titanium body armour. The two companies said they had identified additional opportunities across the ballistics range and testing plate parameters for their next-generation ‘made-to-fit’ titanium body armour prototypes. AML3D will use its proprietary WAM process to manufacture titanium armour plate or various thicknesses for testing by Lightforce, now expected to be completed by mid-2022. Both AML3D and Lightforce remain focused and committed in their progress towards a commercial outcome. AML3D managing director Andrew Sales said: “We have the in-house capability and capacity to take on the commercialisation of ‘made-to-fit’ titanium body armour and are confident that the quality of our prototypes in this next round of manufacturing and testing will deliver further successful results.”

Day & Zimmermann joins Australian Missile Corporation

construction and engineering, staffing, and defence solutions provider Day & Zimmermann (D&Z) has agreed to partner with the Australian Missile Corporation on upcoming manufacturing projects, subject to US Government approvals. Day & Zimmerman, one of the world’s top 100 defence companies, has confirmed its intended collaboration with the AMC, subject to U.S. Government approvals. AMC, wholly owned by munitions manufacturer NIOA, was formed to respond to the federal government’s plan to accelerate a domestic guided missile manufacturing enterprise. Day & Zimmermann, one of the world’s top 100 defence businesses, brings US-leading capabilities to the Australian venture. CEO of AMC, Robert Nioa said: “We are thrilled to have the support of a globally recognized company such as Day & Zimmermann, working together with our many other collaborators on this project. In D&Z, we have a family-owned business that shares AMC’s goal of strengthening the sovereign capability of our respective countries.”

Picture: Minelab metal detector

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