SA electronic warfare company DEWC Systems is set to boost the commercialisation of its cutting-edge research for key defence and space projects, following the acquisition of local firm Associated Electronic Services (AES).

DEWC Systems, which operates from Mawson Lakes’ Technology Park, is a key player in the defence sector and provides research and development of electronic warfare and related technologies to solve challenges for Defence.  

The company, a member of the new SmartSat CRC, is leading the research and technology development on a next generation electronic warfare satellite project – the Miniaturised Orbital Electronic Sensor System (MOESS) – to improve Australia’s defence capabilities in space.

DEWC Systems Director Ian Spencer said the company’s decision to acquire AES is a strategic move that will bring new capabilities in advanced engineering and help convert its research and development into innovative products. 

“In acquiring AES, DEWC Systems is able to combine the DEWC pedigree in electronic warfare operations and engineering with AES’ outstanding legacy in advanced electronic engineering, miniaturised design, prototyping and manufacturing,” he says.  

“It gives DEWC Systems the advanced engineering capability needed to meet the demands of our research program to address the changes that are arising in the technology space in defence.

“We are excited to take our expertise in electronic warfare and defence and underpin it with the solid capability that AES has developed over the many decades.”

Established in 1979, Associated Electronic Services brings over 40 years’ experience in providing quality products and services through advanced engineering and innovation in the aerospace, defence and medical sectors.    

Managing Director Bruce Lobb says he is excited to share AES’s innovation and capabilities with DEWC, while helping develop the next generation of engineers.

“We are really excited to be able to mentor and pass on the design, principles and experience that we have developed over the many years onto young engineers and workers at DEWC,” he said.  

The new acquisition will strengthen DEWC’s capabilities on a number of projects, including its flagship program, the MOESS, a new space-based electronic warfare sensor being funded by the Defence Innovation Partnership. 

The system will be integrated and deployed on small satellites, providing resilient and adaptable situational awareness for the Australian Defence Force.

The new announcement comes after DEWC recently partnered with South Australia’s Southern Launch, which is developing sovereign space launch capabilities, to collaborate on the MOESS project and be an early adopter of Southern Launch’s facilities at Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex. 

Defence SA Chief Executive Richard Price says it is encouraging to see collaborations like DEWC and AES strengthening South Australia’s defence and space capabilities.  

“I’m incredibly proud of the agile and innovative companies in South Australia and collaborations like these bring the best ideas and skills together for the benefit of our defence and space industries,” he said.