South Australian-headquartered Nova Systems has signed on as a partner to EPE to help deliver ongoing maintenance and support of two Weapons Technical Intelligence (WTI) labs, as part of the Land 154 Phase 2 sustainment program.

An Australian-first, the WTI facilities are a series of deployable containers, consisting predominantly of specialist scientific laboratory equipment. They can be transported and utilised on-scene, allowing for rapid assessment of weapons effects and explosive devices.

Similar facilities developed overseas have enabled the rapid deployment of counter-measures during operations to protect Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and allied forces.

Nova Systems Chief Operating Officer Steven Robinson said the development of the capability gave Australia a seat on the world stage.

“As part of our partnership with EPE, Nova Systems will ensure the WTI labs are sustained and ready for deployment at a moment’s notice,” he said. “EPE’s expertise in level 2 exploitation and specialist project management is complemented by Nova Systems’ world-leading engineering capability.

“Both companies are Australian-owned and veteran founded, together building enduring sovereign skills and capability, which makes for the perfect partnership to support the ADF.”

EPE LAND 154-2 Project Director, Keith Mollison, added that the partnership would strengthen sovereign capability.

“The partnership between EPE and Nova Systems creates an all-Australian team to optimise this capability, while further building specialist scientific, engineering and weapons technical intelligence expertise here in Australia,” he said.

The five-year contract includes a long-term sustainment opportunity, with the labs based in Edinburgh, South Australia and Brisbane, Queensland.

Image credit: Department of Defence