HIGH FLYERS THINK TANK
Safeguarding Australia
4 April 2003
A perspective from the Defence Science and Technology Organisation
by Dr Lynn Booth
The Defence Science and Technology Organisation is part of the defence portfolio. It investigates future technologies and ensures Australia is a smart buyer and user of defence equipment. The organisation also supports existing capabilities, such as the ageing F-111 strike aircraft.
There are three laboratories in DSTO, focused on platforms, systems and information sciences. Work areas include: maritime and air platforms, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defence, weapons, missiles, early warning and radar systems, operations research, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, strategic analysis, networks, and command and control.
Counter-terrorism is a small but increasing activity of the defence organisation. While the states are first to respond to an internal security incident, Commonwealth agencies provide overall coordination, and the defence forces would be called on if needed.
Some examples of the Defence Science and Technology Organisation's research which may have application in counter-terrorism, although they are primarily directed at the Department of Defence, are:
- chemical agent detection and treatment
- use of operations research techniques to analyse potential terrorist activities
- pattern matching techniques – to find the critical features of terrorism
- explosives expertise
- command and control systems
- critical infrastructure analysis and protection
- surveillance and sensors.
For more information about the Defence Science and Technology Organisation's research, go to www.dsto.defence.gov.au/research/.
