Page 12 - Australian Defence Magazine Sep-Oct 2022

12 NEWS REVIEW INDUSTRY UPDATE
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2022 | WWW.AUSTRALIANDEFENCE.COM.AU
DEFENCE UNVEILS SUPERCOMPUTING CAPABILITY
DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles has formally launched an advanced supercomputing ca- pability at the Defence Science and Tech- nology Group site at the Edinburgh Defence Precinct in Edinburgh, South Australia.
The first of its kind in Australia, the high performance computing capability is up to a million times faster than a stan- dard computer and will enable Defence scientists to analyse large data sets and rapidly perform complex calculations.
Defence says its supercomputing capa- bility will play a vital role in the design, development and analysis of modern weapon systems and national security systems, and will be critical in supporting key AUKUS priorities including nuclear powered submarines, quantum technolo- gies and artificial intelligence.
It is expected that the high performance computing capability will drive the devel- opment of disruptive solutions, and the de- partment is ‘actively recruiting’ to increase the workforce supporting the capability.
The new computing infrastructure
RIGHT: Minister for Defence Richard Marles unveils an artwork created by local Kaurna Traditional Owners Aunty Buster, Corey and Nasyah Turner during the launch of the Defence High Performance Computing capability
is known as ‘Taingiwilta’, which means ‘powerful’ in the language of the Kaurna people, and is housed in a purpose-built secure facility called ‘Mukarntu’, mean- ing ‘computer’.
“For much of the work done by our De- fence scientists, data is critical,” Minister Marles said. “But even more important than the data itself, is the ability to rapidly and reliably analyse and process that data.
“This high performance computing fa- cility provides a secure and sovereign ca- pability to do just that.
“Defence acknowledges the assistance provided by representatives of the US De- partment of Defense’s High Performance Computing Modernization Program who willingly shared their 30 years of knowledge and experience to support Australia’s work to establish this world-class capability.”
naval shipbuilding enterprise that is de- livering enhanced capability for the Navy, protecting Australia’s borders, and main- taining security in our region.
“It’s a great source of pride for the entire Austal team knowing that we’re equipping our Navy, and our nation with the best possible patrol boat capability. Our congratulations and thanks go to the Navy, the Commonwealth, and our indus- try partners on this latest delivery.”
The 58-metre aluminium monohull patrol boat is the second of eight to be delivered to the RAN. The first Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat, ADV Cape Otway, was delivered in March 2022, following approximately 18 months construction. The six remaining vessels are in various stages of production at Austal’s Hen- derson, Western Australia shipyard and deliveries are scheduled progressively through to 2024.
LEFT: The 58-metre aluminium monohull patrol boat is the second of eight to be delivered to the RAN
AUSTAL DELIVERS SECOND EVOLVED CAPE CLASS TO RAN
AUSTAL Australia has delivered the second of eight Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats (ECCPBs) to the Royal Australian Navy.
The vessel, ADV Cape Peron, was offi- cially accepted by the Commonwealth.
“The Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats are not only enhancing the Royal Aus- tralian Navy’s capability, but further
strengthening Australia’s sovereign ship- building capability, which is more impor- tant than ever before,” Austal Limited CEO Paddy Gregg said.
“Austal continues to engage over 300 defence industry partners across Austra- lia to construct the Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats. We’re part of the national
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