When specialists at Canberra’s QuintessenceLabs sought a means of generating the Holy Grail of encryption, the “true random number” key, they found no earthly solution that would deliver the quality and performance they needed. So they looked to space instead.

When it comes to various modelling scenarios about how the JSF will perform against potential threats, the results are usually not great. But recent experience might well be turning that tide.

The use of Building Information Modelling, or BIM, in the design and construction of Defence infrastructure is not only strongly encouraged at the present time, together with Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) methodology, it is due to be mandated for future contracts from 2016.

In 2004 Melbourne systems integration firm Tectonica started a Defence Capability Technology Demonstrator (CTD) project to develop a small engine-driven diesel generator to provide soldiers or sections with portable power.

At a time in which most Australian naval shipbuilders are facing an uncertain future, Austal is the shining exception.

Australia’s Chief of Navy has spoken out against China’s controversial land reclamation projects on disputed islands in the South China Sea. Vice Admiral Tim Barrett also reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to regional security and outlined the part the Royal Australian Navy can play in regional maritime cooperation.

For Codan’s Paul McCarter, two years leading the company’s Radio Communications division has been nothing if not stimulating. He’s helped revive high frequency communication as a technology for the future, created a digital communications “skunk works” on two continents and thrown the company’s newest product off the roof.

Australian SME and integrated logistics support specialist Logistic Solutions Australasia (LSA) has been acquired by German-based Rheinmetall Technical Publications (RTP) and, as a result, is offering enhanced services to both Defence and industry.

A building construction site in Sydney and a military operation overseas would not seem to have much in common at first glance.

3D printing still sounds like something that belongs in the future. But it is firmly in the now, with many companies and industries taking advantage of the growing technology. Phillip Smart looks at how the innovative process is being used and where it could be applied in the Defence context.

Added to the ADF footprint are the 1,150 US Marines currently based in Darwin in the dry season, a number which is also set to increase, along with a greater US Air Force presence, as recent the bilateral agreement between the Australian and US governments comes into effect.

DSTO scientists are working with their US Army counterparts to develop an energy bar containing gluten-free flour derived from waste green bananas that would minimise the effect of diarrheal disease on troops in the field.

What if the Defence organisation had a tool that could identify engineering risk, analyse potential impact of platform design or maintenance changes before they are incorporated and manage configuration through to life of type? And what if that tool, or set of tools, was developed here in Australia?

After the 2013 ADM Congress we asked both sides of politics in what was an election year to “show us the money”? “Show me your bold and innovative ideas on how to do defence differently and more efficiently, or show me the money” was ADM’s refrain.

Held in Adelaide’s Grand Chancellor Hotel on December 4th and 5th, the inaugural ADM Defence Supply Chains Summit provided an opportunity for Small to Medium Enterprises to engage with representatives of the industry primes and Defence officials and learn about opportunities within the global supply chains of OEMs.

In my September editorial, I challenged ADM readers to come up with what they would do if they were elected Minister for Defence at the recent election.