We were honoured that one of Australia’s leading defence and strategy thinkers, Peter Jennings AO PSM made time during his full schedule in Brisbane to accompany Adam Findlay AO, PhD to tour EPE.
We thank you Peter for your interest in the work we’re doing for the Australian Government in the hashtagdefence and hashtagspace domains, and also for your insights into the current geopolitical landscape.
EPE’s COO Rob Edye and EMEA Regional Manager Jim Blackburn look forward to catching up with channel partners, customers and friends at DSEI UK 2025. They will be representing EPE as part of Team Defence Australia on the Australian Pavilion.
Thanks Legacy Brisbane ! Our team loved the inaugural Legacy Sports Brunch. Great to see industry from South East Queensland come together to support the families of our veterans when they need it. As always Lloyd Harris and Brendan Cox, we love your genuine commitment.
Two Ministers and an Aussie Moon rover.
Ministers Tim Ayres and Andrew Giles joined our Head of Agency Enrico Palermo to visit RMIT University‘s Advanced Manufacturing Precinct to announce Roo-ver has been assigned its mission.
RMIT is one of around 20 organisations in the Roo-ver Mission consortium that is designing, building and will operate the semi-autonomous rover on the lunar surface.
Minister Ayres described Roo-ver as “one of the most specialised robotics and advanced manufacturing projects in the country.”
“Roo-ver is a prime example of how space can be a driver of the Albanese Labor Government’s Future Made in Australia agenda to grow national industrial capability, boost productivity, and build economic resilience,” Minister Ayres said
Read more about Roo-ver and what it will do on the Moon https://www.space.gov.au/news-and-media/mission-confirmed-aussie-moon-rover-ready-to-roll
Congratulation to Beaten Zone Venture Partners for hosting hashtagTAKHACK25 bringing together Australia’s innovation community including coders, Defence advisors, frontline operators, technologists, and mission-driven mentors.
We appreciate Adam Modd representing EPE as a volunteer mentor!
6ESR and 20 EOD Squadron’s Exercise Wallaby Walk 2025 showcased the collaboration between allied Air Force, Navy and Army. US, UK, NZ and Australia came together for an unparalleled display of cooperation and skill-sharing, showcasing the strength of international teamwork and knowledge exchange. EPE’s role was pivotal, with our training manager David McDonald designing the mission profile and crafting and delivering realistic, customised scenarios and devices.
The photos show some highlights: Seamless integration of allied forces. Advanced, realistic training scenarios involving active devices. Unique, tailored experiences that push the boundaries of training. A big thank you to all participants and facilitators for making EXWW25 a resounding success!
If calmness was a company KPI, EPE Trusted to Protect (EPE) would be exceeding expectations.
Over the past 15 years, the Brisbane-based company, which specialises in force protection and counter threat solutions for defence and law enforcement, has become the employer of choice for former bomb technicians and elite military operatives as they’ve transitioned to civilian life.
This inimitable stable of servicemen and women – who’ve spent much of their careers deactivating improvised explosive devices (IED) in conflict zones – have brought with them a highly specialised skill set, forged under the weight of a 40kg bomb suit and its intense mental load.
“There is a composure about them,” Babcock Australasia Project Manager Damian Huxtable says when asked to describe the EPE team, which form part of Babcock’s closeknit Counter Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (C-CBRNE) supply chain.
“Their unique life experience means they don’t sweat the small stuff. They are focused and adaptable, which translates to a highly productive working relationship.”
Babcock’s first dealings with EPE came in 2019, when it began managing the Commonwealth’s C-CBRNE assets, including the CA26 fleet serviced by EPE.
Now the pair collaborate on the delivery of a number of key assets for the Australian Defence Force (ADF), including Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Suits and Communications Systems under Land 3025 Phase 2, Device Manipulation Render Safe equipment, and Squad Packable Utility Robots (SPUR), which were recently delivered as part of the Land 154-4 Program.
EPE’s insight and 230 years of collective experience in EOD and Counter CBRN not only informs product development but also reinforces the need for quality solutions.
“What sets EPE apart is its specialist domain experience,” Damian explains. “They have a deep understanding of mission requirements and excel at identifying and aligning the right capabilities. This allows us to execute seamlessly from start to finish, ensuring precision in capability matching, inspection, and acceptance testing.”
This expertise is further reinforced by a strong veteran presence within both companies, enhancing responsiveness to customer needs. “As former frontline users and maintainers of these products, our teams bring firsthand knowledge of real-world challenges and a unique perspective for the functionality and reliability required in the field,” Damian continues.
EPE’s Head of Capability Chris Panteli agrees it’s a powerful synergy.
“It’s worked well from the get-go. Babcock’s cutting-edge asset management systems optimise the sustainment and acquisition of C-CBRNE capabilities, while EPE brings unparalleled expertise in the specialist CBRNE defence domain,” he says.
This desire to get and keep capability into the hands of end users so they can protect and sustain life has brought continuous improvement to processes. Operational readiness has benefited, for example, from the introduction of in-country repair and maintenance capabilities.
“In the past, bomb suits, robots, and countermeasures had to be sent overseas, a process that could take up to six months, requiring export and import permits,” Chris says. “Now, thanks to local support, turnaround times have been reduced to about a week, significantly cutting costs and downtime for the Australian Defence Force.”
This deep-rooted commitment to excellence began with EPE Group CEO Warwick Penrose, a decorated Australian Army veteran who commanded and helped develop Australia’s first CBRNE Counter Terrorism Disposal Capability, which was instrumental in the securing the Sydney Olympics.
After retiring from the Australian Defence Force in 2010, Warwick purchased the Australian distribution rights for Med-Eng EOD suits, the leading bomb suit worn by 85 per cent of bomb technicians globally. Since then he has grown the company from two employees to 57, incorporating uncrewed systems, countermeasures, deployable infrastructure and counter threat capabilities with systems integration and engineering to deliver complete capability solutions that protect Australians and its allies.
Warwick’s contributions in this space earned him recognition as a finalist for Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year in 2022. EPE was also named a finalist for Employer of the Year in the 2020 Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards. The awards recognise the achievements of organisations which support and employ veterans, as well as veterans who make a significant contribution to their workplace.
EPE’s performance within Babcock’s supply chain and strong credibility in the defence sector is also attracting broader attention, unlocking exciting opportunities for expansion and diversification. In 2024, the company was selected by the Australian Space Agency to lead a consortium tasked to design, build and remotely operate Australia’s first lunar rover on the moon. Leveraging extensive expertise in land robotics, EPE is boldly applying its knowledge and innovations to the challenging, high-risk realm of lunar exploration. Creating 25 new jobs at EPE, and 50 across the consortium, the project is bringing together Australia’s best systems, software and mechatronics engineers.
Still, EPE remains steadfast in its core mission: the protection of Australian soldiers.
From its first major contract with the ADF in 2011 – an urgent EOD remediation training project to increase the number of qualified bomb technicians in Afghanistan – to its current delivery of specialist IED disposal training through its Device Manipulation Render Safe services, EPE consistently prioritises the well-being of servicemen and women.
“It’s not just about equipment,” Chris explains. “One of our core specialties is delivering EOD and counter-IED training. We don’t engage in offensive operations or weapons. Our focus is entirely on protecting our soldiers.”
This, according to Damian, makes EPE the complete package: “EPE is a gold standard of supply chain vendors for acquisition, sustainment and training. They share our purpose to create a safe and secure world, together.”
At EPE, we were honoured to host some of Australia’s finest Rugby minds at our recent East Coast Forum Lunch in Brisbane.
We had the privilege of hearing first-hand insights from Wallaby legend Matt Cockbain on the journey to winning the 1999 Rugby World Cup, along with reflections from Wallaby Captain Liam Wright and former Reds and Brumbies forward Tom Murphy on the future of Rugby Australia and preparations ahead of the British & Irish Lions Tour.
Thank you to all who joined us — a fantastic afternoon of discussion, camaraderie, and a shared passion for performance, leadership, and resilience on and off the field.
Great to be part of the Australian RPAS community at this year’s event in Canberra. It’s been an excellent week of collaboration and connection, showcasing trusted, secure, and sovereign drone capabilities alongside our valued channel partners.
A big thank you to Zach Benayoun and Andrew St.Pierre from Inspired Flight Technologies Inc., James Finch and John Biviano from Skydio, and Ross McKinnon and Timothy Gibson from Grabba for their ongoing partnership and support.
At EPE, veterans are the foundation of our business. Our values closely align with Legacy’s mission—honouring service and supporting the families of those who serve. Thanks Legacy Brisbane for the awesome professional photos from the C3 Challenge.
Another amazing year at the C3 Challenge. What a highly spirited event to raise funds for such an inspiring charity, Legacy Brisbane.
56 corporate teams representing Queensland industry, braved the freezing weather to support one powerful cause. Thanks Lloyd Harris and Brendan Cox for another great event.
Removing Ambiguity of Performance for Human and Machine.
Keith Thomas, EPE’s UAS Capability Manager and Chief Pilot will deliver a presentation at AAUS – Australian Association for Uncrewed Systems‘s RPAS in Australia Skies 2025 next week in Canberra, aimed at assisting managers and operators to understand the role of NIST Aerial Test Methods in both the selection of platforms, and the training of drone pilots. Keith holds a CASA RePL to fly multi rotors up to 25kg, and is an accredited NIST Aerial Test Methods Proctor.
Indo Defence 2025 Expo and Forum is coming up! As a member of Team Defence Australia hosted by Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), EPE is eager to showcase our counter-threat solutions.
EPE International Director Iain Swan will be attending and looks forward to catching up.
We warmly welcome Michael A. Johnson to the EPE Advisory Board.
Michael is a Company Director and Lawyer with deep expertise in economic and political affairs across the Asia-Pacific region. He served as a three-term Member of the Australian Parliament (2001–2010), where he was a strong voice on Defence, Foreign Affairs, and Trade Policy. During his time in Parliament, he represented Australia on numerous international forums and witnessed first hand the outstanding work of the Australian Defence Forces in the Middle East. Michael led Australian Parliamentary Delegations to the United Nations’ to oversee the supervision of the 2003 Cambodian and 2008 Mongolian elections. Today, he continues his active commitment to regional development as Chairman of the Advisory Board for PNG Elevators, Advisory Board Member of Queensland-based defence manufacturer Black Sky Industries, Founder & Executive Chairman of the East Coast Forum , and Board Member of the Australia Vietnam Business Council. He holds Law and International Relations degrees from both Queensland and Cambridge Universities.
As EPE expands its capability offerings and capacity building efforts supporting Australian national security and our international partners, Michael brings his 25 years of business, legal & government experience & networks across Australia, Asia & the Pacific to the Advisory Board — strongly complementing the strategic expertise already provided by Adam Findlay AO, PhD and Roderick West.
We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to Andrew Garth, a founding member of the EPE Advisory Board, who is stepping down to focus on the growth of his business, DIAS (Defence Industry Advisory Service). Andrew has made a significant and formative contribution to EPE and will continue to be a valued voice on government policy.
Congratulations to EPE-sponsored cyclist, Toby Jones, on his selection in the Australian team for the 2025 Junior Track World Championships!
Toby is in Belgium now training and competing in his first season of European Road Racing. He returns to Australia shortly to concentrate on track training in the lead up to Apeldoorn in August and to sneak in a little bit of study to finish grade 12!
See announcement here: https://australiancyclingteam.com/news/ara-australian-cycling-team-selected-for-2025-uci-junior-track-world-championships
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has taken a significant step toward modernizing its tactical mobility and digital warfare capabilities with the arrival of its first Spanish-made VAMTAC ST5 prototype vehicle. Delivered from the UROVESA military vehicle manufacturing facility in Galicia, Spain, the prototype was transported aboard one of the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s newly acquired C-130J-30 Hercules aircraft. This delivery marks the beginning of a transformative program aimed at replacing the NZDF’s most frequently deployed operational vehicle fleet, with a particular emphasis on advanced communications integration.
The VAMTAC ST5, or Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico (High Mobility Tactical Vehicle), is a 4×4 light tactical vehicle developed and manufactured by URO Vehículos Especiales S.A. (UROVESA), a Spanish company based in Santiago de Compostela, Galicia. UROVESA has a long history of supplying rugged and highly mobile vehicles to armed forces and security services across Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. The VAMTAC series is known for its modular design, off-road performance, and adaptability to a wide range of military roles, from troop transport and medical evacuation to weapons platforms and communication hubs.
What sets this VAMTAC ST5 prototype apart is its role as a testbed for the next generation of New Zealand Defence Force communications and digital systems. A joint Ministry of Defence and New Zealand Army project team will utilize the vehicle to design, install, and test these cutting-edge systems. This testing phase will be critical in finalizing the digital architecture that will be implemented across the future fleet. According to Sarah Minson, Deputy Secretary, Capability Delivery, “This vehicle is the first VAMTAC ST5 Medium variant to be built by UROVESA for the Ministry of Defence. Its arrival signals the start of a new era in military communications mobility for our forces.”
Once system integration and testing are completed, the vehicle will transition to roles supporting operator training and operational release, ensuring troops are fully prepared for the deployment of the new fleet. The VAMTAC ST5 prototype is part of the first tranche of New Zealand’s utility vehicle replacement project, which includes the acquisition of 60 new vehicles comprising both Light and Medium-sized variants to replace the aging Unimog and Pinzgauer platforms.
These vehicles are intended for multi-role deployments including stability operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and search and rescue missions. Built for robustness and adaptability, the VAMTAC ST5 is equipped with a 6.7-liter Cummins turbocharged and intercooled engine, capable of reaching speeds up to 110 kilometers per hour. Its off-road capabilities are enhanced by a 4×4 drivetrain, inter-axle and inter-wheel differential locks, and a central tire inflation system that allows pressure adjustments directly from the cab, making it highly maneuverable in New Zealand’s diverse and challenging environments.
UROVESA’s tactical vehicles are already fielded by over 20 countries, including several NATO member states and Singapore, attesting to their reliability and operational effectiveness. In New Zealand, the fleet’s sustainment and support are being managed by EPE New Zealand Ltd., ensuring domestic integration and maintenance expertise are in place as the program moves forward.
The arrival of the VAMTAC ST5 is more than just a delivery. It represents a strategic investment in the NZDF’s future capability, enhancing both mobility and digital resilience for New Zealand’s deployed forces.
EPE Trusted to Protect partners with Boston Dynamics to bring the Spot® public safety variant to defence and public safety sectors in the APAC Region.
EPE, an Australian veteran-owned company, announces a strategic partnership with Boston Dynamics, a world leader in mobile robots. This collaboration brings the advanced public safety Spot package to defence, public safety, and first responder agencies in Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia.
EPE and Boston Dynamics share a common mission – to protect and empower humans operating in hazardous environments. Spot serves as a critical asset, reducing risk by being the first to enter and assess potentially dangerous scenarios. Designed to assist incident commanders, Spot provides rapid situational awareness, enabling informed decision-making and de-escalation of hazardous situations. Operators issue simple commands, allowing Spot to autonomously navigate complex environments. Equipped with a self-righting feature, Spot can recover from falls, while its arm manipulation transforms Spot to more than just a surveillance platform making it a more valuable tool for public safety with the ability to manipulate the world around it.
With over 400 robots and thousands of sensors already deployed in defense and public safety sectors, EPE continues to lead the way in shaping the future of robotics and autonomous systems (RAS) in Australia.
About EPE
EPE provides Force Protection, Robotics and Autonomous Systems, CBRN defence (CBRND) and Counter threat solutions and support to First Responders, Defence Forces, Law Enforcement, and other government agencies in the Asia Pacific region. We are former Counter IED specialists with real world operational experience. We understand how the specialist equipment is used and more importantly, the demands placed on equipment and operators in the current hazardous environments in which they may be deployed.
About Boston Dynamics
Boston Dynamics is the global leader in developing and deploying highly mobile robots capable of tackling the toughest industrial and safety challenges. Our robots are equipped with advanced mobility, dexterity and intelligence, enabling automation in unstructured or hard-to-traverse and unsafe spaces, from manufacturing facilities, power plants, and construction sites, as well as warehouses and distribution centers. We have three robots in our portfolio: Spot®, a quadruped that conducts industrial inspections for enterprise asset management and keeps people out of harm’s way through public safety applications; Stretch®, a box-moving robot currently being deployed with logistics and retail customers; and Atlas®, our electric humanoid platform currently in development. For more information on our company and our technologies, please visit www.bostondynamics.com.
Photo: © elp gmbh/germany
Toby Jones, a young Australian cyclist cyclist sponsored by EPE has had a smashing 2025 Track Season, winning four National Championships across the Omnium, Individual Pursuit, Team Pursuit and Madison. With 3 of the gold medals won over the weekend at the 2025 AusCycling Track National Championships held at Anna Meares Veledrome in Brisbane. The Queensland Academy of Sport has an excellent line up of young cycling talent.
URO, Vehículos Especiales S.A. (UROVESA), a Spanish manufacturer of specialist military vehicles, announces its partnership with New Zealand-based EPE New Zealand Ltd (EPE NZ) as its local partner for the Protected Mobility Capability Project (PMCP).
In November 2024, the New Zealand Ministry of Defence (NZ MoD) signed a contract with UROVESA to replace part of NZDF’s existing operational utility vehicle fleets. Under this agreement, UROVESA will deliver 40 new medium VAMTAC CK3 vehicles and 20 light VAMTAC ST5 vehicles. These high-performance platforms are designed to enhance operational effectiveness and safety, in a range of mission environments.
EPE NZ, is based in Wellington, and will play an essential role as UROVESA’s local partner by providing their local experience and comprehensive support for the fleet’s introduction. EPE NZ currently operates from its headquarters and Maintenance and Supply Hub near Trentham Military Camp, with existing contracts under five Defence Master Service Agreements (MSA).
To ensure the success of the UROVESA partnership and this critical program, EPE has committed to undergoing specialized training from UROVESA, expanding its facilities, and growing its workforce to further enhance the support provided by its Through Life Support team.
Andy Cross, General Manager of EPE New Zealand, commented on the partnership:
“At EPE NZ, we are proud and honoured to partner with UROVESA to support the PMCP utility vehicle project. From the start of our relationship, there was a clear synergy that allowed us to work well together and fully understand each other’s roles and responsibilities.”
“We are excited about this long-term contract, which, alongside our existing prime contracts and MSAs with New Zealand’s Defence agencies, will enable us to continue supplying and supporting the NZDF in the future.”
“As a company with a proven track record of delivering the highest levels of capability and service to our customers, we are already prepared to take on this additional contract and look forward to working closely with UROVESA, the Ministry of Defence and the NZDF.”
UROVESA’s CEO and President, Justo Sierra, added:
“In our extensive, international experience, one of the key factors in ensuring customer satisfaction and the operational capabilities of our vehicles is having a strong local partner. In this case, the background of EPE NZ adds real value, given it has more than 15 years of experience providing technical service support to New Zealand Defence agencies, through multiple active contracts, and a team with not only a technical background but also military expertise. This reinforces our proximity to the client and the high quality of our customer service delivery.”
“This collaboration marks a substantial enhancement of the NZDF’s operational capabilities, providing cutting-edge vehicles to ensure mission success, and further solidifying UROVESA and EPE’s shared commitment to supporting defence forces worldwide”
We had the honour of hosting MAJGEN Mick Ryan (ret’d) at EPE to discuss lessons learnt from Ukraine and Gaza on evolving threats. The conversation emphasized the importance of not only adopting technology, but rapidly evolving and adapting them for use in high threat environments. We were also joined by other Queensland leaders in innovative technologies: Peta Ellis and Jake Bostock from BeatenZone, and Dr Lee Finniear from Li-S Energy. As a leader in Robotics and Autonomous Systems, EPE is actively working on projects to adapt and integrate sensors and effectors with RAS systems.
Babcock Australasia (Babcock) is providing critical expansion to the counter explosive capability of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) following the successful delivery of a $16 Million fleet of Squad Packable Utility Robots (SPUR), ready for immediate deployment.
The SPUR Remote Positioning Vehicles – Light (RPV-L) will be utilised across tri-service applications for search, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) activities to mitigate and deny the use of Improvised Explosive Devices and protect Australian soldiers in combat.
Babcock led the procurement and customisation of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and ISR robots, working closely with Australian and veteran-owned supply chain partner, EPE Trusted to Protect, to ensure the shipment meet ADF specifications. EPE provides specialised force protection and counter threat solutions, and has a long-term partnership with QinetiQ, the manufacturer of the SPUR.
The procurement has been delivered to schedule following thorough inspection and acceptance testing.
At just 13kg, the compact and highly mobile SPUR, can be rapidly deployed from a backpack. Its high-performance manipulator arm, advanced imagery and exceptional manoeuvrability in difficult terrain makes it particularly effective in diverse environments.
The SPUR was first introduced into Australian service back in 2022 to assist the Australian Army response to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) incidents.
Quotes attributable to Babcock Australasia CEO Andrew Cridland
“These robots significantly enhance situational awareness, acting as a critical line of defence for Australian soldiers in high-threat environments. The successful acquisition and delivery of the SPUR forms part of Babcock’s comprehensive C-CBRNE asset management services under its Prime Vendor Agreement with the ADF.”
“Since securing the contract in 2019, Babcock has grown the remit and output of the program by more than 400 per cent, working closely with Defence and industry to identify capability gaps caused by technology obsolescence, as well as sourcing and acquiring new C-CBRNE tools to sharpen Defence’s counter response to existing and emerging threats.”
“Much of Babcock’s success is driven by the strength of our supply chain partnerships. Nationwide, we engage some 2,000 domestic suppliers to provide goods and services across our defence and aviation contracts, creating a resilient industry base that is building sovereign capability each and every day.”
“EPE is the gold standard of supply chain vendors, which has allowed us to source and deliver a bespoke solution in a timeframe that meets the operational needs of our servicemen and women.”
Quotes attributable to EPE Group CEO Warwick Penrose
“The partnership between EPE and Babcock creates a powerful synergy. Babcock’s leading asset management systems optimise the processes for acquisition and sustainment, while EPE brings expertise in the specialist Counter-CBRNE domain. The partnership has built sustainable sovereign capability here in Australia to test, acquire, train, maintain and sustain these important capabilities that protect our Defence personnel. The outcome of this collaboration is reduced risk to the Commonwealth.”
Acknowledge to Babcock Australia: https://www.babcock.com.au/babcock-delivers-spur-robots-into-active-service/
EPE is thrilled to announce its participation in IDEX 2025, the premier International Defence Exhibition and Conference, scheduled from February 17 to 21, 2025, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in the United Arab Emirates.
As part of the Team Defence Australia Pavilion, hosted by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), EPE will showcase its latest innovations in defense technology. This biennial event serves as a global platform for unveiling cutting-edge defense solutions and fostering collaboration among international defense entities.
Jim Blackburn, EPE’s International Manager for EMEA, will be attending and looks forward to reconnecting with our esteemed channel partners, including:
IDEX 2025 is expected to feature over 1,350 exhibitors from 65 countries and attract more than 130,000 visitors, including government officials, military personnel, and key industry leaders.
We invite you to join us at this significant event to explore the latest advancements in defence technology and discuss potential collaborations.
This represents a very significant milestone in our partnership with Defence Australia to ensure these laboratories achieved final operational capability, and provides a significant enhancement to the ADF’s material exploitation (Matex) capability.
Read the full article: https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2024-12-20/specialised-facility-counters-ied-threats
EPE has been recognised in the Australian Defence Magazine’s (ADM) 2025 Top 20, securing notable positions across multiple categories:
This recognition demonstrates our commitment to protect and enable our soldiers and allies in Australia, New Zealand and the APAC region.
Read the full report: ADM’s Top 40 Survey 2025
Brisbane, Australia – 17 December 2024 – EPE Oceania is honoured to announce its selection as Grantee and co-lead of the ELO2 Consortium to deliver Australia’s first lunar rover. The $42 million project, funded by the Australian Government through the Australian Space Agency, will see EPE and its partners design, construct, and operate the Australian-made rover, “Roo-ver,” on the lunar surface.
“This is a landmark moment for Australia and for EPE,” said Warwick Penrose, CEO of EPE Oceania. “We are immensely proud to co-lead this history-making mission with Lunar Outpost Oceania, and our incredible world-leading research and industry partners from across the nation. Together, we will not only deliver Roo-ver but also pave the way for translating cutting-edge space technologies into transformative capabilities for Defence, national security, and other industries.”
EPE brings a 25-year legacy of trusted delivery to the Commonwealth and a strong track record of managing complex technology projects as a prime contractor. With leadership in robotics, autonomy, and remote operations, EPE’s expertise will be instrumental in delivering technologies that serve both space exploration and critical national interests.
This project is the culmination of an unparalleled collaboration within the ELO2 Consortium, which includes contributions from leading universities, SMEs, and industry giants across all Australian states and territories. Roo-ver will be entirely designed, manufactured, and tested in Australia and operated from Australia, showcasing the nation’s engineering excellence and its ability to compete on the global stage.
ELO2 Consortium Director, Ben Sorensen, said “The technologies developed for Roo-ver will underpin enabling capabilities for AUKUS Pillar II asymmetric technologies, advancing Australia’s sovereign defence and national security capabilities.”
Key developments include:
“These critical technologies not only address Australia’s immediate needs in space exploration but also have far-reaching applications for Defence, mining, energy, and disaster response industries,” Sorensen added. “This project exemplifies the dual-use benefits of space technology, reinforcing its potential to drive innovation and economic growth across sectors.”
The ELO2 Consortium’s selection follows its remarkable success in the preliminary design phase, during which four rover prototypes were developed and rigorously tested with $4 million in funding from the Australian Space Agency. This achievement positioned the Consortium as a leader capable of delivering Australia’s first lunar rover and advancing the nation’s presence in space exploration.
Work on the mission will begin immediately, as the Australian Space Agency finalises launch details with NASA. Once on the Moon, the rover will undertake a science mission to understand the lunar surface and support Australia’s contribution to the Artemis Program.
For more information about EPE Oceania, visit www.epequip.com.
For more information on the ELO2 Consortium, or to register interest in employment and internship opportunities, visit www.elo2.au.
For more information about Roo-ver and the mission visit the Australia Space Agency website, http://www.space.gov.au/meet-roo-ver
Media Contact:
Ben Sorensen
ELO2 Consortium Director
+61 400 986 121
Australia’s mission to the Moon is shifting from concept to reality.
ELO2 has been selected to design and build the nation’s first lunar rover for the Australian Space Agency.
ELO2 was chosen from two industry consortia who developed rover concepts as part of an 18-month preliminary design process.
Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic announced ELO2 as the successful consortium today, as its latest rover prototype was unveiled.
?
Because we’re helping to qualify the next generation of EOD technicians for the Australian Army.
Our Training Manager, David McDonald, has been working closely with 6ESR and 20EOD SQN to deliver the Royal Australian Engineers Explosive Ordnance Disposal Module 3 Course.
Through realistic and relevant scenario and training aid design, construction, and delivery, Dave ensures that training is as effective as it is lifelike—because realistic training saves lives.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who attended the Northern Australian Defence Innovation Showcase. This event highlighted the innovative technologies and capabilities emerging from Queensland and the Northern Territory, aimed at enhancing Defence capabilities in the North.
Special thanks to our insightful speakers: Hugh Russell, Nathaniel Bawden, Arkady Fedorov, Maksym Rybachuk, Zhe Hou, Martin Veidt, Allan Paull, Paul Gaertner, Dr. Gary Eves, Shane “Buzz” Sarlin, Professor Hamish C., Ben Sorensen, Peter Milani, Dr. Joni Sytsma, and Simon Turner. Their contributions were invaluable in showcasing the region’s potential.
As part of the Queensland Defence Science Alliance (QDSA), we are proud to support and foster communication and collaboration that delivers sovereign solutions to Defence needs.
We love to inspire the next generation of mechatronics engineers, Genevieve is a 4th year QUT (Queensland University of Technology) Mechatronics and Medical Engineering Student, and Dean’s Scholar, and has recently completed her STEM internship at EPE.
“Hi, I’m Genevieve Hughes, and I’ve been working as an intern with EPE in 2024. I’ve had the privilege to learn new skills vital in the robotics industry, work in a professional R&D setting, work closely with my supervisors, and get hands on experience testing my work in the field. I’ve been able to put the skills I’ve learned in my Mechatronics Engineering Degree at QUT into practice as I’ve written software and developed 3D designs to complete my project. I’ve especially benefited from learning ROS2 and how to interface with cameras and integrate them onto a robotic platform.
I’ve also had the opportunity to use soft skills that I learnt as President of the QUT Robotics club, as I communicated with fellow interns and my supervisors about my project, took on board feedback, and implemented it to improve my work. I’ve been so grateful to work at EPE, where I’ve been supported, encouraged and challenged to develop my skillset and my career.”
Jim was a British Army Ammunition Technical Officer (ATO) in different EOD and Ammunition roles in UK mainland, Germany, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan, culminating in commanding an EOD squadron covering South-eastern England.
Jim’s military career also included roles such as Ambulance Squadron commander, and UN military observer, simultaneously gaining qualifications including a BEng in Information Technology and an MSC in Explosives Ordnance Engineering. Post-service Jim has established himself as a driven professional with substantial experience in government and international corporates. Roles include leading a company contracting suppliers to deliver training and expertise in support of the Qatari Joint Special Forces, managing full process procurement from capturing requirements, developing Training Needs Analysis, writing supplier requirements to contract award and quality assured delivery.
An internationally recognised Counter Explosive Ordnance expert who initiated and ran the European Defence Agency C-IED programme, Jim then became a technical subject matter expert for C-IED in NATO before spending four years in Dubai Police Explosive Security Department as an EOD Mentor Instructor and Operator and the Department Training Lead.
Jim brings his vast global experience to EPE to help government customers in EMEA define their capability requirements and design and deliver specialist complete capability solutions.
EPE announces the appointment of Hayden Robinson as Technical Sales Manager supporting the EPE Group.
With a career in the British Army and New Zealand Defence Force and a strong background in international security and military history, Hayden brings unparalleled expertise to our team. His 15 year tenure as a New Zealand Defence Force civilian, including 13 years as NZ Army’s Experimentation Manager, has given him unique insight into emerging technologies and innovations. Hayden will be based in our NZ Office and will specialise in assisting our commercial and government customers to identify and transfer technologies to accelerate their operational advantage. His expertise in Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) and Counter UAS capabilities will be a valuable asset to our customers as they navigate this complex and rapidly developing landscape.
We’re thrilled to have Hayden on board and look forward to his contributions as we continue to deliver cutting-edge solutions to our customers in New Zealand, Australia and the Indo Pacific region.
EPE is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of innovators to explore and pursue careers in STEM fields.
Comment below from one of our current students:
“My name is Luke Krenske, and I’ve had the privilege of working with EPE since February of this year as part of my final-year research project. This experience has allowed me to apply my studies at QUT (Queensland University of Technology) to real-world applications, including work on electrical schematics and Printed Circuit Board design, firmware development, and the use of battery optimization techniques. For my undergraduate thesis, I’ve been working on Iteration 3 of the development of Wireless Monitoring of Explosive Hazard Training Aids, which is the development of a real-world application, named Intellibomb. This device aims to assist trainers in the evaluation of trainee explosive ordnance disposal technicians when undertaking an EOD Manual Access Render Safe training exercise.
EPE is providing me a rare opportunity to work in an open and collaborative environment where my ideas are valued, and my contributions to the project are genuinely appreciated, making this experience both professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling.”
We were honoured to host a skilled team from BRIMOB, the elite Mobile Brigade Corps of the Indonesian National Police, for an in-depth training on advanced EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) techniques utilising some of their new capability.
This specialized session, led by our expert Counter-IED and EOD trainers, covered essential theory and hands-on training with cutting-edge equipment, including the Minelab F3C detector and Carbon Fire 10 disruptors at our range facilities in Brisbane.
Our goal? Equipping their team with the skills and technology to stay ahead of emerging threats.
We’re proud to support BRIMOB in their mission to protect and serve their communities.
Congratulations to EPE-sponsored cyclist Toby Jones on his impressive performance at the Junior Track World Cycling Championships!
Toby achieved an incredible 7th place in the Individual Pursuit, setting the fastest time ever recorded by an Australian with still another year left in Juniors! He also teamed up with three mates to finish a strong 4th in the Teams Pursuit.
We’re excited to follow Toby’s journey as he continues to excel on the track, and we’re thrilled to share the recent announcement by the Australian Cycling Academy that he’ll be heading to Europe in 2025 for up to three months of road racing!
Best of luck, Toby—we can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Acknowledgement to 9 News Queensland
Honoured to host the Hon. Richard Marles, Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, at EPE today. Following the release of the National Defence Strategy earlier this year and the Defence Innovation, Science, and Technology Strategy at ADSTAR last week, we showcased how EPE partners with Defence to help ‘Accelerate Asymmetric Advantage’.
Thank you to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and your team for spending time with us.
In an era where technological superiority defines military advantage, the role of autonomous drones in enhancing global defence operations cannot be overstated.
During a recent Live Talk hosted by Skydio, experts from both Skydio and EPE Trusted to Protect (EPE) delved into the transformative impact of drone technology on defence strategies worldwide.
The discussion provided a comprehensive overview of how Skydio‘s autonomous drones are being leveraged to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in modern defence, from enhancing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to ensuring interoperability among allied forces.
One of the most compelling examples of how autonomous drones are impacting defence operations comes from their deployment in Ukraine. As traditional ISR methods were disrupted by GPS jamming and other electronic warfare tactics, having resilient drones emerged as a vital need for Ukrainian forces.
Justin Jordan, Skydio’s Vice President of Federal Sales, Defence, and Critical Infrastructure, highlighted how Skydio drones have been instrumental in navigating complex environments and providing critical intelligence in real-world conflict.
“The autonomy engine in our drones allows them to navigate and perform missions even in GPS-denied environments,” Jordan noted. This capability has proven invaluable, especially in a conflict zone like Ukraine, where maintaining operational effectiveness under adverse conditions is crucial. The ability to adapt to ever-changing and challenging environments underscores the need for reliable ISR tools that can significantly enhance the resilience and operational capacity of defence forces.
Another focal point of the discussion was the importance of interoperability, particularly within the context of the AUKUS alliance, which includes Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Uddit Patel, Program Manager for Skydio’s International Asia Pacific region and the United States Air Force, emphasized how Skydio drones are designed to integrate seamlessly with allied forces, ensuring consistent tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) across different regions.
“Interoperability between our platforms for all the forces using them ensures that they can operate together with similar equipment, enhancing joint exercises and deployments around the world,” Patel explained. This capability not only strengthens the operational cohesion among AUKUS members but also enhances their collective defence readiness, enabling them to respond more effectively to regional and global threats.
The webinar also highlights the advanced technological capabilities of Skydio drones, particularly in terms of obstacle avoidance and night operation. Keith Thomas, the Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) Capability Lead at EPE, pointed out that Skydio drones are equipped with cutting-edge neural networks and multiple cameras that enable them to navigate complex environments autonomously, even without preloaded maps. This makes the drones exceptionally versatile in a variety of operational settings, from urban areas to remote wilderness.
Moreover, the importance of a secure supply chain in defence operations was underscored by both Skydio and EPE experts. As Thomas noted, “A secure supply chain is particularly important in this region. Being in a remote location, having partners you can rely on for equipment and secure supply lines is vital.”
Skydio’s commitment to maintaining a National Defence Authorization Act (NDAA)-compliant supply chain ensures that their drones meet the highest military standards, providing defence forces with trusted and secure platforms.
The unique defence challenges faced by Australia and the broader Indo-Pacific region were also discussed, with a particular focus on how Skydio drones are being used for border protection and disaster response. Rob Edye, Group Chief Operating Officer at EPE, underscored the strategic importance of Skydio drones in monitoring Australia’s extensive coastline and providing early warning capabilities in bushfire-prone areas.
“The unique geography of Australia, with its large coastline and remote areas, highlights the importance of using advanced technology like Skydio drones as a force multiplier,” Edye stated. This perspective focuses on the versatility of Skydio’s autonomous drones, not only in traditional military operations but also in addressing broader security and environmental challenges in the region.
As the webinar concluded, it was clear that Skydio’s autonomous drones are not just enhancing current defence operations—they are paving the way for the future of global defence. From their crucial role in Ukraine to their integration within the AUKUS alliance, Skydio drones are at the forefront of modern military technology, offering unmatched capabilities in ISR, interoperability, and operational resilience.
“The ability of Skydio drones to enhance force projection and provide high-resolution aerial imagery and real-time data to command centres is crucial for making strategic and tactical decisions,” Thomas remarked. Autonomous drones are having a profound impact on defence strategies worldwide, providing military forces with the tools they need to stay ahead in an increasingly complex global security environment.
As defence operations continue to evolve, Skydio and EPE are serving a critical role in driving technological innovation and enhancing the capabilities of allied forces around the world. For military leaders and defence professionals, staying informed about these advancements is not just beneficial—it is essential for maintaining strategic superiority.
EPE is pleased to announce a transition in the leadership of its Advisory Board. Effective 1st September, Professor Adam Findlay, AO (Major General – retired) will assume the role of Chairman, succeeding Chris Otley-Doe, who has led the Board with distinction for the past three years.
The entire team at EPE extends its gratitude to Chris for his leadership, mentoring and unwavering support. During his tenure EPE experienced significant growth, successfully transitioning into a group structure, winning EPE’s first Australian Defence Prime Contract, and generating exports of over 50% of the Group’s revenues. Chris was also instrumental in finding ways to navigate the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. He helped EPE diversify to better cope with delays experienced due to the implementation of the Defence Strategic Review (DSR). This helped contribute to a record year of growth and financial performance. We wish Chris all the best in his future endeavours and thank him for his invaluable contributions.
We are excited to welcome Adam Findlay as the new Chairman. Adam has been on the EPE Advisory Board since 2023 and brings a wealth of expertise to this role, having built key international security relationships across the Indo-Pacific through his extensive military service and academic leadership. His experience working with security leaders both within Australia, our AUKUS partners, and throughout the region will be a tremendous asset to EPE as we look to mature our medium term growth goals.
In addition, EPE is delighted to announce that Rod West CSC, (Brigadier retired) will also be joining our Advisory Board. Rod’s previous experience spans senior executive positions in both the Australian Army and Industry. Rod’s previous appointments include Head of Corp for the Royal Australian Engineers, Australia’s Military Defence Attache in Washington, as well as his significant Industry experience in directing and managing programs, organizational restructures, and tender submissions as a General Manager at Rheinmetall Defence Australia (RDA).
The combined expertise of Adam Findlay and Rod West will be instrumental as EPE continues its position as an Australian Prime contractor to the Defence Forces in both Australia and New Zealand, while also driving the implementation of our growth strategy in the US and wider international markets.
From August 5-9, 2024, MRead Limited’s handheld detector was tested outside the lab for the first time, at the EPE MILTECS site in Brisbane. The sensor’s performance not only met but exceeded expectations, proving its robustness and accuracy under intensive testing. This milestone is a testament to the hard work of our team, the innovative scientists at CSIRO who delivered the product and RFC Ambrian who have been the bedrock of our development.
Why does this matter?
Our MVP (minimum viable product) successfully operated across five different soil types at depths down to 13 cm, adhering to the strict United Nations International Mine Action Standards (IMAS). This achievement sets the stage for our upcoming field trials in Southern Angola with The HALO Trust. The collaboration with the HALO Trust has been instrumental, providing critical insights into both technology and user operator requirements.
Australian Innovation & Collaboration:
We conducted an excellent session with The HALO Trust and we also hosted a visitor day, showcasing the sensor to partners including Norwegian People’s Aid / Norsk Folkehjelp, Minelab Metal Detectors , Katapult, and EPE. Trusted To Protect. The input from these supporters has been invaluable in enabling us to drive this disruptive technology so far and so fast. An MOU between MRead and EPE further enables a collaborative framework for the development of integrated sensors on robotic platforms in support of humanitarian demining, border security, law enforcement, and defence.
Design & Usability:
Fundamental to the design of the sensor is understanding the user requirement. If it doesn’t look and feel right – it usually isn’t! Our discussions with The HALO Trust, CSIRO, EPE and Katapult on operator form/fit are crucial as we refine the sensor from a prototype into a highly usable and manufacturable system.
Looking Ahead:
It’s genuinely exciting to be at the forefront of technology that can make a real difference to deminers and the shattered communities in these war-torn regions. The MOU between EPE and MRead establishes a collaborative framework for further integration, testing, evaluation, and enhancing detection capabilities for explosive hazards in these challenging environments.
The trials were, and will continue to be conducted at MILTECS, EPE’s Military Training, Evaluation, Certification, and Systems site which is co-located at the CSIRO Queensland Centre of Advanced Technology (QCAT) in Brisbane. The site enables testing utilising four counter explosive hazards dismounted lanes of various soil types and conditions, ensuring rigorous validation of our sensor’s capabilities.
EPE in collaboration with leading Canadian uncrewed ground vehicles (UGV) manufacturer ICOR Technology, has been awarded a contract by the Queensland Police Service, to provide the Explosive Ordnance Response Team (EORT) with five new Remote Positioning Vehicles-Medium to upgrade its explosive ordnance response capabilities.
Under this contract, EPE provides ICOR’s CALIBER FLEX to provide the Queensland Police Service with advanced bomb robots allowing technicians to remotely approach, investigate and render safe real and suspected improvised explosive devices .
Over the past month, EPE has been delivering extensive training for bomb technicians from the Explosive Ordnance Response Team (EORT) and Regional Bomb Response Teams (RBRT) to master the operation of these advanced bomb robots. This training will be complemented by ongoing Through Life Support (TLS) delivered locally in Australia.
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has significantly upgraded its explosive ordnance response capabilities by introducing five new Remote Positioning Vehicles-Medium (RPV-M), commonly known as “bomb robots”. This enhancement is part of the QPS RPV Replacement Program, representing a $2.6 million investment to replace the existing fleet that has served for the past 12 years and offering new technology with a myriad of benefits
After a rigorous and competitive tender and evaluation process involving five different robots, the ICOR Technology Caliber Flex bomb robot was selected. This state-of-the-art equipment is supplied by EPE Trusted to Protect, an Australian Veteran-owned company.
For our Local Issues segment, Feegs chats to Director of Innovation & Commercialisation Ben Sorensen from EPE – a robotics and defence company that is not just participating, but is leading the charge to get Australia on the moon. Ben shares the work that this QLD-based company does and his thoughts on why QLD is shaping up to be such a hub for tech innovation in Australia.
Royal Malaysia Police hosted EPE’s Account Manager Seamus O’Brien to demonstrate the ICP NewTech Avenger LT.
The unique capability combines high performance with ease of use, providing operators with a highly capable platform with a reduced training burden at a low cost.
Thank you to in-country agent KEMALAK System SDN. BHD. for enabling the demonstration.
Congratulations to EPE-sponsored cyclist, Toby Jones, on finishing second in General Classification after the four stages of the Balmoral Junior and Women’s Tour in Brisbane last weekend. (Pictured in blue and red kit!)
The Balmoral Tour doubles as the second round of the 2024 Bikechain Junior 19 National Road Series and attracts riders from all around the country. With only eight weeks until the Junior Track World Championships in China, Toby is in good shape.
Photo acknowledgement: Mat Gilfedder Photography
EPE. Trusted To Protect is a supplier of the Foster+Freeman Forensic Science Innovation range of forensics equipment supporting certain ongoing projects in the Asia-Pacific region. EPE’s International Accounts Manager for the region, Seamus O’Brien attended the Foster+Freeman (F+F) distributor meeting in Thailand. The meeting demonstrated the depth of specialist instruments for our crimescene and forensics labs customers.
The F+F team were the perfect hosts and put together an interactive package of activities. A highlight was an “Escape Room” scenario where teams solved a crime by applying F+F equipment to find “hidden clues”. F+F also delivered focused equipment training to CSI and forensics practitioners.
Capability deliveries are smashing out the (roller) door from EPE. Minelab Metal Detectors F3C and F3Ci have been tested, compliance checked and delivered.
Australian Army‘s 20 EOD Squadron undertook training focused on enhancing CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) threat readiness. Facilitated by our Training Manager David McDonald, the training was conducted at EPE’s MILTECS facility utilising the tunnels network. Dave’s ability to create the full mission profile supported by realistic scenarios and challenging working devices provides a uniquely customised experience that’s outside familiar parameters, ensuring participants are well-prepared for live CBRN threats.
This rigorous CBRN training enhances the operational readiness and effectiveness of our forces, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to handle complex and dangerous situations in high threat environments. Thanks to 6ESR for the opportunity to be involved. We thank CSIRO for their support to run this training at MILTECS which is part of the CSIRO Pullenvale facility. Check out the awesome photos that highlight the realistic simulation environments.
What an amazing display of teamwork, determination and awesome camaraderie across teams at 2024 Legacy Brisbane‘s Canungra Combat Challenge. Our team, the EPExpendables together conquered jungle trails, swan rivers, climbed walls, swam through tunnels full of water, carried 90kg mannequin on stretcher – all to help raise funds to enable Legacy to support veterans and their families.
Awesome fundraising effort Victoria Cheney, Michael Humphris, Rebecca Boreham, and Adam Modd as the second highest overall team fundraiser; and Adam Modd as highest individual fundraiser.
Fantastic event which aligns perfectly with EPE’s core values. We look forward to working closer with Legacy on other activities and be part of next year’s Canungra Combat Challenge.
Our team had the pleasure of attending the 2024 AIDN QLD Christmas Party, and it truly exceeded all expectations.
The event was nothing short of spectacular – from the stunning views of the Brisbane River and city skyline to the vibrant atmosphere created by over 110 attendees. The food was delicious, the drinks were flowing, and the company couldn’t have been better. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow industry professionals and enjoy a much-needed break from the busy year.
A big thank you to AIDN QLD for hosting such a memorable evening at the Southbank Beer Garden. We’re grateful to be part of this fantastic community and look forward to continuing our collaboration in 2025.
Here’s to creating more memories together in the year ahead!