EPE and 2 other Australian companies (Urban Circus, and Insitu Pacific Limited) are partnering with Downer Defence Systems (DDS) to develop and deliver an innovative route clearance capability. DDS has been awarded a $3 million contract through the Defence Innovation Hub as the Prime Systems Integrator for the project to develop a ‘Muskito’ prototype and then deliver a technology demonstration for Defence.
Contributing to the Australian Defence Force’s LAND 154 Phase 4 Project, the Australian industry partnership will develop an unmanned Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) route clearance capability to detect threats above and below the ground’s surface; detect, discriminate and locate subsurface IEDs and flag them via a visual interface. EPE will supply innovation and integration support aligned to the provision of the HDT Hunter WOLF UGV, the Cobham Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), and other technical systems.
EPE Managing Director, Warwick Penrose said “EPE is very pleased to partner with Downer and the Defence Innovation Hub on the Muskito program which aligns perfectly with our focus on the delivery of Force Protection solutions. The program will harness EPE’s CIED domain expertise, technology partners and innovative engineering to deliver a sovereign Australian capability that will protect ADF personnel deployed in non-permissive operational environments.”
Executive General Manager of Downer Defence Systems, Andrew Foster said ‘We are excited to work with the Commonwealth and our industry partners to develop the Muskito system. IEDs and other related threats have been the scourge of Australian and allied service personnel in their operations overseas in recent decades, and we are grateful to be given an opportunity to play a role in helping to mitigate that threat.’
‘This contract underscores the Government’s commitment to working with industry to create genuine and sustainable sovereign industrial capability,’ Foster said.
About EPE. Trusted to Protect
EPE provides CBRND, Counter IED and Force Protection solutions and support to Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces, Law Enforcement, and other government agencies. We are former Counter IED specialists with real world operational experience. We understand how Counter IED and CBRND equipment is used and more importantly, the demands placed on equipment and operators in the current ‘high-threat’ environments in which they may be deployed. We also understand the demands of the training and preparation required for operations. Our aim is to source the very best range of battle-proven equipment to help us deliver to our customers, a comprehensive and sustainable capability to meet evolving threats.
About DOWNER
Downer is the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand and customers are at the heart of everything it does. It exists to create and sustain the modern environment and its promise is to work closely with its customers to help them succeed, using world-leading insights and solutions to design, build and sustain assets, infrastructure and facilities. For more information visit downergroup.com
For more information
Visit the website at: www.epequip.com or contact Narelle Hoffman, Marketing Manager +61 (07) 3308 9300 or email: