Navantia Australia and Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) Sign Strategic Partnership Agreement

Navantia Australia has signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) with the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) to advance innovation, science, and technology research in support of the Royal Australian Navy’s surface fleet. This agreement marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between Navantia Australia and DSTG, demonstrating the organisations’ mutual focus on enhancing Australia’s naval capabilities.

A signing ceremony was held at Navantia Australia’s Sydney Corporate, Engineering, and Sustainment Office, attended by Dr Ninh Duong, Chief of Air and Maritime Division, representing DSTG. Navantia Australia representatives included Mr Israel Lozano, Managing Director, Mr Ross, Chief Technology Officer Yannatos, Mrs Cindy Slaven Chief Business Development, Marketing & Communications Officer, Dr Nirman Jayarathne, Innovation Lead – Engineering/Autonomous Systems, and Dr Lisa Rodgers, Innovation Project Manager.

This SPA formally establishes a collaborative research program centred around engagements with government, industry, and academic stakeholders in support of scientific research and technological innovations. This research and development will help set the stage for defence industry companies such as Navantia Australia to integrate emerging digital technologies into ship ecosystems for improved decision making and smart sustainment activities.

“This SPA allows Navantia Australia to further contribute to Defence’s innovation agenda by enhancing our capability through both innovative and highly sought after research and development” said Israel Lozano, Navantia Australia Managing Director. “The SPA facilitates long-term bilateral R&D relationships that allow Navantia Australia to develop technologies and solutions for more advanced and efficient naval platforms, closely alongside our partners in academia”.

The signing ceremony was followed by a tour of the Maritime Institute of Technology (Marintec™) facility. Marintec™, Navantia Australia’s joint institute with the University of Technology, Sydney, is a technology-driven digital innovation hub, focussed on research and development in the data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation spaces. Cooperation with academia is a core element of Navantia Australia’s work to develop industry leading, project-driven technologies, built upon this same commitment to innovation that underscores their new SPA with DTSG.

About Defence Science and Technology Group

DSTG is the Australian government’s lead agency responsible for applying science and technology to safeguard Australia and its national interests. DSTG accesses and leverages world-leading science, technology, knowledge and innovation, through collaboration with industry, academia and international agencies. We work closely with these partners in order to provide quality advice and innovative solutions for Defence and national security.

We have the unique Defence domain knowledge and links with the national and international science and technology innovation community to facilitate the translation, application and integration of innovation from external partners to the Australian Defence environment.

About Navantia Australia

Navantia Australia designs, integrates and supports naval maritime platforms and systems for the Royal Australian Navy. We are recognised as a Design Authority by the Commonwealth of Australia for the Canberra Class Landing Helicopter Docks (LHD) and Landing Craft, Hobart Class Guided Missile Destroyers (DDG) and Supply Class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) Ships. At Navantia Australia, we are committed to growing our local workforce and links to the Australian Supply Chain to best support the growth of a truly Australian naval shipbuilding and sustainment industry. As a leader in shipbuilding and maritime solutions, Navantia Australia is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of naval innovation. We have a commitment to developing advanced systems and technologies that enhance the capabilities, efficiency, and sustainability of the modern naval industry. Navantia Australia is committed to dynamic change and improvement and where possible we seek new equipment and processes to deliver improvements in cost, quality, efficiency and performance.