QinetiQ opens QLabs in Australia
Above: Gary Stewart, Chief Executive for Australia Sector and Professor Tanya Monro, Australia’s Chief Defence Scientist opening QLABS.
Courtesy QinetiQ
The facility, inaugurated by Professor Tanya Monro, Australia’s Chief Defence Scientist, represents a significant advance in Australia’s defence technology infrastructure.
QLabs is designed to enable the development of contemporary software engineering and rapid prototyping capabilities to support the integrated joint force outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy (NDS) and the 2024 Integrated Investment Program (IIP).
With an on-premise Software Development Environment and an adaptable laboratory lay-out, QLabs supports the rapid development and testing of both leading-edge and legacy technologies.
“The establishment of QLabs marks a significant milestone in our efforts to grow Australia’s sovereign industrial ecosystem,” said Gary Stewart, Chief Executive Australia Sector. “It expands our niche software development and machine learning capabilities, and we look forward to furthering collaborations and innovation to safeguard Australia’s national security.”
The new facility will support several key programs including the Directed Energy Program in partnership with the Defence Science and Technology Group. This partnership aims to support the establishment and commercialisation of a High Energy Laser capability in Australia, leveraging the expertise from QinetiQ’s parent company, a member of the DragonFire consortium on behalf of the UK Ministry of Defence.
The contract was announced in April 2023 and will result in the completion of a technology demonstrator at the end of the first quarter of 2025.
QLabs also provides expertise and support into many other defence capabilities including:
- Contracted support into System Program Offices within Capability, Acquisition and Sustainment Group.
- Research and Development and Program Management expertise to Defence Science and Technology Group, Edinburgh.
- Trials management and support to the Joint Proof Experimental Unit at Port Wakefield.
- Developing Digital Test and Evaluation applications for the Australian Defence Force.
With a South Australian workforce of 110 employees and an Australian Sector workforce of 1,200 across Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and Germany, QinetiQ continues to offer integrated Crewed, Uncrewed and Virtual Threat Representation services, alongside Engineering and Innovation and Advisory Services to defence, security, industry and governments.
