The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon Warren Snowdon MP, said the future operating environment of the Australian Defence Force will be shaped by changes in military technology and the Defence Science and Technology Organisation will continue to lead Defence's efforts to sustain our technological capability edge.

"A continued focus on the exploitation and application of new advanced technologies will be crucial in ensuring that the Australian Defence Force has access to highly advanced and networked capabilities and has a winning edge in terms of information superiority." said Mr Snowdon.

To develop and maintain a strategic capability advantage, Defence will need to be smarter, and more connected with the scientific and technological institutions of our allies and friends, particularly the United States.

"Over the next four years the Government will fund a $53 million program to significantly enhance focused external engagement initiatives between DSTO and its national and international partners. This will generate more significant benefits for the Australian Defence Force and its allies," said Mr Fitzgibbon.

The new initiatives will be modelled on previous successful engagements such as the Defence Future Capability Technology Centre, strategic alliances with industry and universities, as well as international bilateral project arrangements.

The programs will both strengthen Australia's science and technology self-reliance in these key areas, and provide deeper access to overseas expertise and capabilities.

At the same time, the Defence Science and Technology Organisation will be increasing its efforts in areas such as:

- Integrated Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance. The ability to collect, share, interpret and act upon information in a timely manner requires Australia to be able to design, adapt and integrate diverse Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance sensors and systems to suit our purposes and strategic and physical environments;

- Cyber warfare (including computer security). We must have the assurance that our computer and information networks are robust and secure, and available when needed for both Australian Defence Force operations and more broadly within government;

- Electronic warfare. The ability to protect our platforms and systems from physical and electronic attack, and to maximise the advantage of our own sensors and weapons is paramount;

- Underwater warfare. Australia requires a strong national ability to develop innovative technologies that will maximise the safety and performance of our enhanced underwater warfare capabilities, in particular our new submarine fleet; and

- Networked systems. Our unique force mix requires us to be experts at integrating diverse systems and capabilities, and developing command, control and communications mechanisms appropriate to our environment.

"Australia's defence depends in no small part upon our significant Defence science expertise which directly supports our operations, materiel acquisitions and platform effectiveness," Mr Snowdon said.

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