Morrison Government grows electronic warfare talent pipeline

The Morrison Government has partnered with a leading Adelaide university and a South Australian defence industry company to establish a Centre of Expertise for Electronic Warfare.

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said Defence and Flinders University would co-fund a Defence Science Partnership (DSP) worth $5 million over five years.

They have joined DEWC T&E, an Electronic Warfare company owned and managed by ADF veterans, to establish a Professional Electronic Warfare Training, Education and Research (PEWTER) Memorandum of Understanding.

The $5 million in funding will see a Centre of Expertise for Electronic Warfare established, with Defence Scientist Professor Sam Drake appointed as the inaugural Flinders University Academic Chair of Electromagnetic Systems and Security.

“Having a skilled Electronic Warfare workforce comprising both practitioners and researchers across Defence, academia and industry is key to ensuring future defence capabilities are fit-for-purpose and future proofed.

“Talent acquisition and retention are critical to delivering an effective and enduring Electronic Warfare workforce across Defence.”

“The Morrison Government, Flinders University and DEWC T&E recognise the urgent need for increased quantity and quality of personnel with the skills and background to meet our national strategic needs in Electronic Warfare,” Minister Price said. 

“Professor Drake and his team will work in partnership with Defence scientists to establish Electronic Warfare-focused education and research programs.

“They will also facilitate professional Electronic Warfare training and research to stimulate and sustain workforce development.

“The 2020 Defence Strategic Update outlines increased investment in Electronic Warfare capabilities across all domains.

“These advanced capabilities will provide the ADF with a strategic and tactical advantage to keep pace with the evolving operating environment.”

DEWC T&E deliver Electronic Warfare training through the School of Information Operations. 

DEWC T&E’s years of Electronic Warfare experience and training expertise will provide valuable insights for students through a curriculum relevant to the Australian Defence Organisation.