Lockheed Martin Australia has joined forces with the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) to launch a dual strike on the future of defence technology.

The company behind a large range of the most cutting-edge battlefield designs will link with the organisation responsible for scientific and technical support in Australian defence operations.

A number of Australian military technologies will have their range increased and their safety bolstered with the signing of the new deal.

DSTO Chief Defence Scientist Dr Alex Zelinsky signed the agreement with Lockheed Martin Australia chief executive Raydon Gates this week.

“We have agreed to undertake joint research in a range of areas including predictive logistics, trusted assurance, the Aegis combat system, over the horizon radar, hypersonics and operational analysis,” Dr Zelinsky said.

“This ten year agreement with Lockheed Martin Australia reaffirms DSTO’s commitment to enter into long term partnerships with industry for enhancing Australia’s current and future defence capability.”

Mr Gates also welcomed the alliance.

“The advancement of interactive projects under the alliance will provide important direction for future strategic investments in Australia and enable us to be more responsive to emergent customer requirements,” he said.

“Lockheed Martin is very pleased to collaborate with DSTO in addressing complex challenges associated with high end defence capabilities.”

Recent months have seen DSTO actively hunting industry partnerships for strategic research. It has signed strategic alliances with companies including BAE Systems, Thales, SAAB Australia, ASC and IBM.