Innovation and R&D have always been the essential foundations of a strong, sustainable defence industry. Australia’s 2016 Defence White Paper, Defence Industry Policy Statement (DIPS) and Defence Integrated Investment Program (DIIP) acknowledge the importance of successful Defence R&D and innovation to the nation’s defence industry and thus to Australian defence policy. The 2020 Defence Force Structure Plan reinforced these foundations.
EX2 was set up by Dr Gregor Ferguson, a defence industry and innovation analyst and consultant, to make a useful contribution in Australia’s new and welcoming defence business environment.
EX2 helps innovators in Defence, the research sector and industry, and especially SMEs, by providing news and insight about innovation in Defence and adjacent sectors such as space, aerospace and resources.
Gregor Ferguson writes, teaches, advises and runs a national program designed to encourage and reward innovators in the defence, aerospace and maritime domains in both industry and the research and academic communities.
View his bio here (PDF opens in new window).
Dr Gregor Ferguson, Ph.D, BA (Hons), MRAeS
Elbit Systems of Australia (ELSA) has won a contract of undisclosed value to supply Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems (SUAS) and maintenance services to the Australian Army. The Skylark I-LEX SUAS+ contract will support the Army’s UAS capabilities by supplying a…
Canberra based XTEK Pty Limited has won a $26.9 million order from the Australian Defence Force to supply an unspecified number of Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS). The SUAS will be a mix of AeroVironment aircraft already used by the…
Newcastle-based LeoLabs Australia, along with local industry partner CEM Alliance and sub-contractors, have completed construction of the company’s sixth S-Band Space Domain Awareness (SDA) radar site near Collie in WA. The company’s West Australian Space Radar (WASR) site hosts LeoLabs’…
The government of New South Wales has announced an investment of $15.2 million in its space, manufacturing and defence research network. Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens said this year’s funding plus a 3- year extension for the…
The government of New South wales is investing $30 million in a new program to attract more investment in industries such as medical technology, digital systems, clean energy, defence and aerospace. The Future Industries Investment Fund is an open, competitive…
The US Army has selected the Bell Textron V-280 Valor tilt-rotor aircraft to replace its four decade-old UH-60 Blackhawks under the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program. Over its production life the contract could be worth up to US$40…
Northrop Grumman Corporation and the U.S. Air Force have unveiled the B-21 Raider, which the company says is the world first sixth-generation aircraft. The unveiling happened in Palmdale, California, scene of the B-2 roll-out more than three decades ago. The…
The Royal Navy has ordered its first Uncrewed Undersea Vessel (USV) in a £15.4 million contract with UK firm MSubs. At 12m in length, it will be the largest and most complex crewless submersible operated by European navies, designed and…
American not-for-profit R&D company MITRE has opened a headquarters office and advanced systems engineering centre in the Brindabella Business Park in Canberra. This will support growing engagement with Australian government, business, and research institutions, the company says. MITRE operates six…
Sydney-based Ocius has signed a contract of undisclosed value with the RAN to supply five Bluebottle Uncrewed Surface vessels (USV) this financial year. The announcement was made by RADM Pete Quinn Head of Navy Capability following the company’s Annual General…
