Elbit Systems to set up Melbourne defence operation

Israeli defence contractor Elbit Systems is to establish a Centre of Excellence for Human and Machine Teaming in Melbourne that will drive the research, development and commercialisation of defence technologies.

Elbit develops and supplies a range of specialist technology systems and products that use artificial intelligence, sensors, data and networks in the areas of defence and homeland security.

In Australia, Elbit employs 250 people and provides digitisation technologies to the Australian Defence Force, including interfaces with airborne platforms, naval platforms and unmanned systems.

Following the creating of a partnership with the state, these technologies will be developed for potential application in emergency services such as firefighting.

Elbit’s new Port Melbourne-based Centre will work with Victorian universities and research organisations to foster collaboration, create new products and develop existing research into licensed products.

Elbit will also partner with startups and small-to-medium enterprises in the fields of autonomous systems, machine vision, robotics, industrial internet of things (IIoT) networks and augmented and virtual reality.

The Centre’s first research project will focus on building innovative technology applications for emergency services and defence.

This will involve digitising manual processes and systems and fusing multiple data and sensor inputs to enhance situational awareness and decision processes.

The state government is providing $6 million to support the growth of the state’s defence sector which includes attracting global leaders such as Elbit.

Elbit’s local managing director Major General (ret’d) Paul McLachlan said: “The Centre of Excellence is a key milestone in the Elbit’s transformation to be an independent innovative technology company in Australia, employing locals to create products designed for the Australian market.”

Picture: Elbit Systems

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