Defence industry news briefs – stories you might have missed

Projects of concern summit held in Canberra

The Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy convened a Projects of Concern Summit last week on the Civil Military Air Traffic Management System (Civil Military Air Traffic Management System) project. This is the third summit held by the federal government since coming to office and part of reform of process, bringing senior industry stakeholders, Defence officials and the minister together to remediate listed projects, according to a statement. Since the last summit in March, a contract master schedule has been agreed and a recent demonstration has shown some progress towards better integrated systems. The September Summit agreed on milestones to be achieved before the end of the year, including the integrated master schedule that is vital to understanding the schedule and cost of a revised delivery pathway. Conroy said: “Despite the challenges faced by the Civil Military Air Traffic Management System project, the government remains committed to delivering a safe air traffic management capability.”

Amero focuses on alloy for hypersonics

Australian-listed Amaero International has announced the initial focus of its metal powder production will be of an alloy suitable for use in hypersonic vehicles. Amaero Chairman and CEO Hank J. Holland said: “For the past nine months, Amaero has described the opportunity in alloy powder production as ‘titanium and specialty alloy powder’, yet, we have provided financial guidance based on solely producing titanium alloy powder. Based on the critical need for refractory alloy powders for hypersonic applications, we will now dedicate production of the first atomiser to C-103.” The Niobium alloy’s high performance and heat-resistant properties are utilised in hypersonic and space applications. “The determination of production priority and production mix is a direct response to the industry’s demand pull. The production of C-103 powder is expected to be beneficial to the Company. We look forward to updating investors and taking questions.” Amero International provides additive manufacturing services in Melbourne and Adelaide, and has a titanium powders plant in Cleveland, Tennessee, USA.

Strengthening regional cyber security

Australia is helping secure people and infrastructure across our region against malicious cyber activity by providing cyber security guides translated into regional languages. The Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) is launching easy-to-follow advice and cyber security guides in more than 20 languages, to assist in improving cyber security in the Indo-Pacific region. Many countries in our region face an ongoing threat from cybercrime and other malicious online actors that pose risk to businesses, governments and citizens alike. The translated guides give practical advice to secure devices, identify threats, and increase cyber security awareness. Senator Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs said: “Malicious cyber activity is a threat to the peace, stability, and prosperity of our region. Cyber security cooperation with our partners strengthens our collective defence and resilience. The…government will continue to work with partners to shape the region we want.” Recently added language translations are six Pacific languages – (Bislama, French, I-Kiribati, Samoan, Tok Pisin and Tongan) and seven Southeast Asian languages (Tagalog, Malay, Tetum, Thai, Burmese, Lao, Khmer).

REDARC is SA exporter of the year – again

Defence and electronics manufacturer REDARC Electronics has taken out the title of South Australian Exporter of the Year for the second year running, at the South Australian Premier’s Business and Export Awards 2023. Redarc Electronics also received the award for Manufacturing and Advanced Materials and was amongst more than 250 businesses to enter this year’s awards, with 600 nominations across 24 categories. The Exporter of the Year Award is given to the business that best demonstrates sustainable export growth, innovative market entry strategies and best practice approaches in implementing their international growth strategy.

Picture: Senator Penny Wong