Defence has supercharged its digital clout with its state-of-the-art high performance computing capability declared fully operational.

After intensive research and project development by Defence Science and Technology Group, the supercomputer is now recognised as having achieved Final Operational Capability.

The secure supercomputer is capable of working orders of magnitude faster than a standard computer to leverage machine learning and artificial intelligence and support complex decision making at scale.

Chief Defence Scientist, Professor Tanya Monro AC, said the supercomputer will undertake critical work for the defence of the nation, supporting many Australian defence platforms to optimise system performance.

“This critical, secure and sovereign capability enables Australia’s best minds to tackle some of Defence’s most challenging problems at pace,” Professor Monro said.

The capability will also bolster secure collaboration opportunities and support world-class research across Australian industry, academic, and national security agencies.

A central element of the 2024 National Defence Strategy is the requirement for Defence to introduce next-generation technologies as soon as possible to enhance our ability to deter an adversary from projecting force against Australia.

“The vital work undertaken across the Defence ecosystem will accelerate the delivery of cutting-edge capabilities for Defence,” Professor Monro said.