DSTG, Mitsubishi to develop and commercialise lasers

The Australian Department of Defence and Mitsubishi Electric Australia (MEA) have signed an agreement to develop and transition a cutting-edge laser capability for the Australian Defence Force to enhance surveillance and survivability of defence platforms.

The new capability, being developed by Defence’s Science and Technology Group (DSTG), is being industrialised in partnership with MEA and its Tokyo-based parent, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO).

This collaboration combines over a decade of DSTG’s laser technology development with MELCO’s proven ability to commercialise and deliver electro-optic systems for defence applications.

“This collaboration with Mitsubishi Electric Australia will enable cutting-edge laser technology developed by Australian defence scientists to be transformed into new technologies that protect our Australian Defence Force personnel,” said Chief defence Scientist Professor Tanya Monro AC.

“This will not only lift Australia’s capability, but deepen our science and technology collaboration with Japan. Maintaining a technological edge relies on Australia committing to working with partners on defence science and technology,” she added.

“We look forward to collaborating with Mitsubishi Electric Australia to deliver new capability, using technology developed by Defence, which enhances surveillance and survivability of defence platforms.”

The agreement will enable Defence and MEA to collaborate and develop capabilities and prototypes using this technology. It will also create opportunities for MEA to access MELCO defence technologies of interest to the Australian Defence Force.

The agreement was announced during Japan-Australia Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Tokyo by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles and Japanese Minister of Defense, Kihara Minoru.