The Australian Department of Defence (DoD) has unveiled a new Defence High-Performance Computing capability to handle defence-related scientific and engineering challenges.
It was launched by Australian Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles at Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) site, Edinburgh Defence Precinct, in Edinburgh, South Australia.
The supercomputing capability, which is much faster than a standard computer, will allow defence scientists to examine huge data sets and carry out complex calculations quickly.
The new capability will play a key role in contributing to the main priorities of the AUKUS trilateral security pact, which was formed between the governments of Australia, the UK, and the US.
The priorities include the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines for Australia, quantum technologies and artificial intelligence (AI).
In addition, this capability will play a crucial role in the design, development and analysis of modern weapon systems, as well as national security systems.
Marles said: “For much of the work done by our Defence scientists, data is critical. But even more important than the data itself is the ability to rapidly and reliably analyse and process that data.
“The Defence High-Performance Computing capability not only provides Australia with a sovereign capability that allows us to pursue activities in our national interest but it also gives us a strong foundation for even closer collaboration with partner nations.
“Defence acknowledges the assistance provided by representatives of the US DoD’s High-Performance Computing Modernisation Programme who willingly shared their 30 years of knowledge and experience to support Australia’s work to establish this world-class capability.”
The newly launched capability, also called ‘Taingiwilta’, which means ‘powerful’ in the language of the Kaurna people, is securely housed in a purpose-built facility called ‘Mukarntu’, meaning ‘computer’.
