QinetiQ to strengthen Australia’s defence aviation safety

Image courtesy QinetiQ

This significant strategic relationship will bolster aviation safety within Australia’s defence sector through updated policies, training programmes and high safety standards.

The Defence Aviation Safety Authority Strategic Support Contract is a five-year agreement with a further five-year extension option, which becomes operational on 1st July 2025.

“For more than 25 years, we have supported Australia’s evolving aviation safety needs,” said Gary Stewart, Chief Executive Australia Sector. “This new contract positions us to enhance defence aviation safety and capabilities further.”

“We have built a strong and progressive relationship with DASA over the years. This relationship will ensure DASA maintains its position as a leader in military aviation safety and space regulation. With our team of experts and established industry partnerships, we are ready to address current and future aviation safety challenges.”

Under contract, DASA will have access to QinetiQ’s global resources across the United Kingdom and United States of America. This further enhances QinetiQ’s ability to identify and source all of the specialist skills and knowledge required to support DASA’s purpose to enhance and promote the safety of military aviation and space activities.

QinetiQ has partnered with Muru Management Consulting (Muru) a 100% female – and Aboriginal-owned safety consultancy. Muru’s expertise in aviation operations and safety management will complement QinetiQ’s efforts, contributing to a diverse and robust approach to defence aviation safety.

“I am delighted that Muru and QinetiQ has formed a successful and complementary partnership, that has been recognised by DASA and selected to deliver services to DASA under the Strategic Contract,” Said Donna Cowey, Managing Director of Muru Management Consulting.

“Whilst we are thrilled to partner with QinetiQ to continue to deliver support to DASA over the next five years and hopefully beyond, I am even more excited that in partnership with QinetiQ, we will now be able to promote and raise awareness of future opportunities for other First Nations aviation and engineering organisations to support DASA.”

This contract simplifies a range of short-term agreements, consolidating efforts under one unified strategy. Together, QinetiQ, Muru, and other partners will work closely with DASA to ensure Australia’s defence aviation safety framework continues to thrive and adapt to future needs.