Closer Defence Science Cooperation with European Allies

The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon Warren Snowdon MP, this week reinforced the collaborative ties between the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) and the United Kingdom and France in science and technology (S&T) research.

Mr Snowdon held a series of technical meetings this week in London and Paris and said Australia’s defence science relationship with Britain and France is increasingly important given the rapidly developing nature of technology and consequent implications for Australia’s defence.

He said DSTO maintained a strong relationship with the UK through its Anglo-Australian Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Science and Technology (AAMOST).

“I’m pleased to see the benefits arising from our links with our UK counterparts,” Mr Snowdon said.

“There are over 50 collaborative projects underway, and DSTO have three staff posted to the UK under AAMOST with two more planned by the end of the year, and there is one UK staff member posted to DSTO.”

Minister Snowdon also met defence science officials in Paris, noting that relations with France in the defence science and technology field were modest but expanding.

Australian and France maintain four formal Technical Arrangements (AA) led by a recently renewed arrangement with the Delegation Generale pour l’ Armement (DGA).

“These DSTO arrangements with France cover a range of significant radar technologies, including Australia’s successful Over-The-Horizon wide-area radar surveillance network (OTHR)," said Mr Snowdon.

Other collaborative work involves specialist repair processes, High Frequency Surface Wave (HFSW) radar, new generation attack helicopters and submarines.