Systems

As the nation’s centre of systems engineering, systems integration and defence electronics, South Australia has a proven track record for solving complex problems. It’s no wonder defence is booming in this State.  

An established and experienced industry

South Australia hosts a broad range of major defence electronics companies, including: 

The state also has a high concentration of SMEs with specialised skills in the electronics sector. These companies work with defence primes on significant electronics and combat data systems projects in collaboration with DSTO, the largest defence electronics laboratory in the southern hemisphere. 

These South Australian firms lead the way in: 

  • systems integration
  • network centric warfare
  • airborne bathymetry
  • geospatial mapping
  • software design

Leading-edge research and training capabilities

Our education and training sector works with government and industry to ensure the long-term supply of skilled technicians, systems integrators and engineers.

South Australia's world-class universities deliver a broad range of defence systems engineering programs. For example, the University of South Australia offers a defence employer-reserved Master of Engineering (Military Systems Integration) program established in cooperation with ASC, BAE Systems Australia and Saab Systems.

The University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide have partnered to form the Defence Systems Innovation Centre (DSIC). The centre is focused on delivering innovative advanced engineering systems solutions, skills and strategies to the defence community via research and training programs as well as consulting services.

Located in the Secure Electronic Common User Facility at Technology Park Adelaide, DSIC’s facilities include laboratories available to SMEs, prime contractors, Defence and other public sector research organisations. Recently, the University of New South Wales and Queensland University of Technology joined DSIC.

South Australia is also home to the Defence Systems Integration – Technical Advisory (DSI-TA), a strategic joint initiative between DMO and DSTO aimed at addressing complex systems integration issues significantly affecting defence capability. 

World-class capability

Key electronics and systems capabilities in South Australia include:

  • DSTO's information and weapons systems divisions
  • RAAF's Aerospace Operational Support Group, specifically the Information Warfare Wing, including the Joint Electronic Warfare Operational Support Unit, No 87 Squadron (intelligence) and No 462 Squadron (information domain)
  • Jindalee Operational Radar Network Coordination Centre
  • Air Warfare Destroyer Systems Centre

Adelaide will also soon be the home of Defence’s new Joint Electronics Warfare Centre. 

South Australia's strong defence electronic and systems industry is largely concentrated in Technology Park Adelaide, South Australia's high technology precinct. An ultra high-speed data link connects the precinct to the state's major research institutes and other defence-focussed precincts.

A new Secure Electronic Common User Facility has been established in the precinct by the State Government to support advanced engineering and research activities, including modelling and simulation of complex networks. Anchor tenants DSIC and DSI-TA are operating from the new facility, which will become a hub for industry, research agencies and universities focused on defence systems solutions.

Major Electronics and weapons systems projects

Significant electronics and weapons systems projects currently underway in South Australia include: 

  • the Jindalee Operational Radar Network
  • Air Warfare Destroyers - weapon systems integration
  • Light Helicopter Dock mission system design, development and integration
  • ANZAC Class enhanced anti-ship missile defence
  • Project NAIAD (Phase 2) - geospatial information infrastructure and services