Advanced Fibre Cluster adds first defence prime as member

BAE Systems Australia has joined the Advanced Fibre Cluster, with the partnership made official during a signing at the Avalon Airshow.

BAE is the first defence prime to join the group, which describes itself as a collection of companies and researchers “centred around Deakin University and the Geelong region, accelerating the growth of Australian advanced fibre and composites capabilities.”

Geelong is a region of strength in composites research and commercial activity, particularly at Deakin’s Waurn Ponds campus, where companies including Carbon Revolution are based.

“The mission for the AFCG is to continue to collaborate, innovate and lead development of Advanced Fibres with the world’s top scientific and manufacturing minds,” said Advanced Fibre Cluster CEO David Buchanan. 

 “We are excited that the addition of BAE Systems Australia to the group will ensure the continuation and focus on domestic capability and the growth of Geelong and Victoria as a national centre of excellence for research and domestic production programs.” 

The Clusters’ innovations would complement BAE Systems’ work in the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordinance (GWEO) Enterprise, the company said.

“BAE Systems celebrates its 70th anniversary in Australia this year and over the past seven decades we have supported many cutting edge technology undertakings,” added Managing Director Andrew Gresham. 

“This partnership represents the next chapter in our commitment to that Australian know-how.”  

Picture: (L-R) Defence minister Richard Marles, Advanced Fibre Cluster CEO David Buchanan and BAE Systems Australia CEO Ben Hudson (supplied)