THE HON. GREG COMBET MP
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
007/2010
DEFENCE SCIENCE CRITICAL FOR MARITIME SECURITY
Greg Combet, the Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science,
today said that defence science and innovation were critical elements in our
maritime security.
“The Government is keen to encourage closer cooperation between defence
scientists and industry members in the maritime area,” said Mr Combet.
Mr Combet said that Australian defence scientists have a proud and long
history of helping provide for our maritime security through technological
innovations in the fields of maritime capability.
“For example, one of the best known capabilities that Australia’s Defence and
Science Technology Organisation (DSTO) was involved with is the active
missile decoy Nulka”, said Mr Combet.
“Nulka has revolutionised ship protection with its unique, hovering rocket
which entices missiles away from the vessel. It has also seen active service in
the Gulf War.
“Nulka has also been an export success with approximately 930 Nulka rounds
being produced for the Australian, United States and Canadian Navies. The
Nulka system has now been installed on more than 130 surface combat ships,
with deployment on further ship classes planned.
“The Government is keen to encourage successes such as the Nulka and will
work with defence scientists and industry to help achieve similar successes.
“Apart from Nulka, the DSTO also played a critical role in developing maritime
technologies such as the Laser Airborne Depth Sounder, Australian
Minesweeping System, Barra passive array sonobuoy, Kariwara slim-line
array technology and Ikara anti submarine weapon – some on which became
very successful defence exports and are utilised by navies around the world,”
aid Mr Combet.
Mr Combet also said that DSTO is critical to the success of the Future
Submarine Project.
Media contacts:
Rod Hilton (Greg Combet):
02 6277 7620 or 0458 276 619
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
