Australian government signs information security agreement with European partners

The Australian Government has strengthened the country’s ties with European partners by signing the Security Agreement on the Protection of Classified Information with the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation, known by its French acronym, OCCAR.

Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP, signed the agreement which facilitates the exchange of classified information between Australia and OCCAR to support Defence equipment programs.

The ability to share classified information will enhance Australia’s collaboration with OCCAR and key European partners participating in OCCAR programs, said Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy.

“The relationship with OCCAR provides Australia with access to European industry and supports Australia’s procurement and sustainment of leading-edge defence technology,” added Conroy.

“It provides Australia the opportunity to collaborate with European partners on advanced defence technology and integrate the Australian defence industry with European-based global primes.”

OCCAR is a European-based intergovernmental organisation that manages defence equipment production and sustainment programs for the benefit of its member states (France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Belgium and Spain) and non-member states participating in OCCAR programs (including Australia, Finland, Sweden, Turkey and the Netherlands).