Australian military, Raytheon in strategic alliance

CANBERRA, Australia, June 8 (UPI) -- Australia's Defense Science and Technology Group and Raytheon Australia are strengthening their collaboration on defense technologies.

A strategic agreement between them was signed by DST Chief Defense Scientist Dr. Alex Zelinsky and Michael Ward, managing director of Raytheon Australia during DST's Partnership Week activities.

DST is part of the Australian Department of Defense.

"The agreement with Raytheon marks the 14th such alliance we have now signed with our strategic partners in industry and the research sector," Zelinsky said.

"Our ability to achieve Strategic Defense Objectives relies on critical support from Australian defense industry to deliver leading-edge innovation and research."

Added Ward: "Raytheon Australia is pleased to commit to this new strategic alliance with the Defense Science and Technology Group. We look forward to building innovation with DST Group, drawing on our extensive experience as a combat systems integrator and our trusted partnerships with industry, government and also educational institutions."

The organizations will collaborate in strategically significant research areas, such as cyber/electronic warfare systems, hyper-sonics, naval combat systems, underwater systems, operational analysis and quantum technology.

Naval Combat Systems Analysis has been selected as the first research topic to be developed into an Interactive Project Agreement under the alliance.

The alliance allows for a range of research interactions, including exchange of information, separate agreements on interactive projects, staff secondments and access to each other's facilities and equipment.