Australia’s Defence Science and Technology (DST) research agency has teamed with L3 technologies to boost research on new technologies in undersea command and control systems, spectrum sensing and shaping, and cyber assurance.

“The government is investing $80 billion in Australia’s future submarines and future frigates which need to be backed with advanced maritime technologies,” Australian defense minister Christopher Pyne said announcing the contract.

“I welcome this alliance which will drive innovation, as our Defence scientists and leading maritime industry partners collaborate to deliver new capability solutions for defense.”

Enhanced underwater maritime communications is the first research topic to be explored under the strategic alliance, demonstrating the joint commitment to research and development, where both parties share the risks and rewards.

The alliance agreement was signed by the Chief Defence Scientist Dr Alex Zelinsky and Alan Titheridge, CEO of L3 Technologies, at the recent Land Forces event.

“With L3 Technologies now on board, DST has strategic alliances with 15 Defence primes and public-funded research agencies,” minister Pyne said.