BAE Systems launches Red Ochre labs to support frigate innovation

Defence contractor BAE Systems Australia today launched a hub for collaboration with industry, Defence and academia to develop technologies to support the construction of Australia’s new Hunter class frigates.

Headquartered in Victoria, the company’s Red Ochre Labs aims to develop new, disruptive technologies in autonomous systems, hypersonics, High Frequency Systems, electronic warfare and Anti-Submarine Warfare capabilities.

Red Ochre Labs will build on BAE Systems’ 65-year legacy of technology development in Australia, including missile control systems and the Nulka hovering rocket decoy.

Air, land and sea and cyber technologies for the $35 billion frigate build will be a focus for the latest effort.

BAE Systems Chief Technology Officer, Brad Yelland said: “The Australian Government is clear in its expectations for new, future focused technologies to support the Australian Defence Force.

“Focusing our R&D investment and using Red Ochre Labs as a collaborative hub will enable us to both fast track the development of successful technologies and ‘fail fast’ with those that don’t.

“Our experience has shown success breeds success and that one great piece of technology can be evolved to have other uses or can form the basis of a completely new technology.”

Yelland said the effort could also lead to valuable exports.

The name Ref Ochre reflects BAE System’s reconciliation commitment to Australia’s First Nation people and that red ochre is an iconic mainstay of the Australian landscape.

Picture: BAE Systems Australia

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