Defence innovation on show in international waters

When you think expo, you usually think banners and brochures in air-conditioned exhibition halls. Having a defence industry showcase on a warship midway through an international deployment brought a whole new perspective.

CAPTION: Australian Army signaller Christie Dutra shows members from the Indonesian National Armed Forces the Austeyr Enhanced F88 at HMAS Adelaide’s Defence Industry Expo. Story by Lieutenant Amy Johnson. Photo by Leading Seaman Nadav Harel.

Companies displayed some of their newest and best equipment on HMAS Adelaide during Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2022 (IPE22) while alongside in India, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.

Attendees at the Australian Defence Industry Showcases engaged with hands-on exhibitions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief technology, autonomous systems and artificial intelligence.

One exhibition encouraged attendees to taste a cup of water filtered from a brown sludgy pool – highlighting a portable water purification system – while another invited visitors to navigate a virtual ship through a training simulator.

Alexi Heazle from the Defence Industry International Collaboration and Engagement, said the incorporation of Australia’s Defence industry into IPE22 showcased not only Australia’s most innovative capabilities, but also promoted relationship building with its closest neighbours.

“Growing our defence industry relationships will build the capability of our respective defence forces to develop and sustain cutting-edge technologies and strengthen bilateral relationships between our countries,” Mr Heazle said.

IPE22 coordination officer Wing Commander Peter Miller said the showcase was well received by exhibitors and attendees.

“The exhibitors were all very positive about this great opportunity to showcase their wares internationally aboard HMAS Adelaide,” Wing Commander Miller said.

“Aside from making connections between people who are interested in Australian products, it was also great to know we were making connections between the product innovators and their end user – sailors, soldiers and aviators.”

IPE22 ended last week when HMAS Adelaide sailed into Darwin.

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