The 2015 Military Communication and Information Systems (MilCIS) Conference got under way at the National Convention Centre in Canberra today.
Opening the conference, Minister for Defence Materiel and Science, the Hon Mal Brough MP, emphasised that modern, reliable information and communications technology (ICT) capability was critical to supporting Defence business and military operations.
Minister Brough said Defence has one of the largest and most complex information and communication technology networks in Australia, with reach across the world.
“In the modern age, ICT is a key enabler of military capability and the ICT challenges faced by Defence extend beyond the norm,” Minister Brough said.
“In a global environment where the pace changing technology is rapid, innovative solutions are necessary to achieve the complex capability outcomes needed for our Defence Force.
“The Turnbull Government recognises the vital role of a modern, reliable ICT capability in supporting current and future Defence business and military operations.
“To achieve this will require both sustained investment to deliver that support, and a strong partnership between Defence and industry.”
MilCIS is the only Australian conference focussing directly on the critical technologies, products, systems and services associated with military communications and information systems.
The conference is expected to be widely attended by representatives from military and government organisations, academia and defence industry that play a key role in developing and maintaining military communication and information capabilities.
Over the next few days, participants will have both an opportunity to strategically discuss and better understand Defence’s ICT challenges and the capability and capacity of industry, as well as experience hands-on demonstrations of new technologies at the trade exposition.
AUS DoD (Minister for Defence Materiel and Science)