Australia Could Get More U.S. Missile Defense Dollars

Australia’s Defense Department said participation in the U.S. missile defense plan could increase funds for defense technology research and development, Australian IT reported today (see GSN, March 8).

Senior Australian officials said the two governments were already in talks over boosting Australia’s participation in defense research and evaluation of new technologies, which could mean more money for Australian firms. The Australian Defense Force is conducting an interoperability study.

“The U.S. spends a huge amount on R&D, whereas our proportion reflects the size of our country and our budget,” said Air Vice Marshall Kenneth Clarke, head of capability systems. “The interoperability review will be identifying ways to support additional research,” he added.

Some joint projects are already under way, according to Clarke.

“We have an aggressive program with a range of U.S. research and development institutes, which are also looking at activities within Australia,” he said. “Australian technology is of clear interest,” he added (Simon Hayes, Australian IT/News.com.au, March 26).

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