Defence manufacturing in Covid boost

The federal government has announced a $1 billion Covid-relief package of defence sector works which includes some wins for manufacturers.

While much of the new spending is for infrastructure and other defence base works the cash will also:

• Accelerate the sustainment of ADF platforms and capabilities, including the upgrade of Thales Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles (pictured)
• Modernise ADF uniforms
• And increase maintenance on the C-27J Hercules, which will utilise ex-Qantas and Virgin technicians
• The government package also included increased funding for defence innovation, industry grants, skilling and micro credentialing and cyber training for defence industry.

ADF capability development projects targeting key manufacturing, construction and high-tech sectors are also being brought forward.

The announcement was made at Canberra-based company, DATAPOD (Australia), which has been awarded a two-year, $20 million contract.

The Australian owned company will provide Defence with portable, containerised data systems which can be rapidly deployed by sea, air or road.

Picture: Thales/Bushmaster at left

Subscribe to our free @AuManufacturing newsletter here.