A defence grant of $200,000 will boost the development of an underwater wi-fi mesh network that will boost underwater communication.
Proteus Maritime and Edith Cowan University are developing an ‘mesh’ system to boost communication with military, science and rescue submersibles underwater.
Defence Industries Minister Paul Papalia says the project deserved the grant.
“This technology will potentially give our submarines, and sea drones, the upper hand with a clear line of communication even in hostile waters,” he says.
“We are proud of what our local businesses and researchers are achieving.”
He also pledged furth government support.
Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson believes the system could prove to be “a game changer” with reliable underwater communications.
HOW WI-FI MESH WILL WORK
The WA Government says standard radio communication is limited under water because radio waves don’t travel through water.
An undersea mesh communication system operates like an underwater Wi-Fi, allowing devices deep in the ocean to connect in real time.
Instead of relying on one central hub which might fail, the devices form a ‘mesh’ network (a connection of multiple devices working together to create a reliable communication web).
This system is expected to bolster communication between submersibles, drones and sensors as well as scientific research and search and rescue operations.
The concept was developed and presented last year, the government says.
NEW DEFENCE INDUSTRY AGENCY
Meanwhile, the state government says it will turn its Defence West agency into an independent statutory body to oversee the defence industry.
Its role will be to secure global deals for local businesses, promote WA to defence manufacturers and liaise with the federal department.
It should be ready by 2027 even as the state gears up for AUKUS deployment and building activities.
From 2027, nuclear-powered submarines from the United States and United Kingdom will operate from the HMAS Stirling base at Garden Island, near Perth, before Australia acquires its own subs in 2032, according to current plans.
The Federal Government is also spending $12 billion on turning the Henderson Defence Precinct into the biggest naval maintenance hub in the southern hemisphere.
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