News

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 Government sectors.

About QinetiQ

About QinetiQ QinetiQ is an integrated global defence and security company focused on mission-led innovation. We employ more than 8,500 highly-skilled people, committed to creating new ways of protecting what matters most; testing technologies, systems, and processes to make sure they meet operational needs; and enabling customers to deploy new and enhanced capabilities with the assurance they will deliver the performance required. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @QinetiQ. Visit our blog www.QinetiQ-blogs.com.

The Australian Sector is a global leader for threat representation solutions, supporting Australian and Allied Defence Force training and readiness, in addition to delivering critical capability in test and evaluation, engineering, manufacturing and program delivery. Visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates.