The Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) is a part of the Australian Department of Defence, which provides science and technology support to Defence and defence industry. The agency's name was changed from Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) on 1 July 2015. It is Australia's second largest government-funded science organisation after the CSIRO and its research outcomes have supported operations for over 100 years. The Chief Defence Scientist leads DSTG. The position is supported by an independent Advisory Board with representatives from defence, industry, academia and the science community. DSTG employs over 2500 staff, predominantly scientists, engineers, IT specialists and technicians. DSTG has establishments in all Australian states and the Australian Capital Territory with representatives in Washington, London and Tokyo. It collaborates with science and technology organisations around the world to strengthen its technology base and works with Australian industry and universities to enhance defence capability. DSTG is a member of The Technical Cooperation Program (TTCP) with the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand. It also has bilateral defence science agreements with USA, UK, France, Sweden, Netherlands, Norway and Singapore. In February 2012, DSTG was given the whole-of-government responsibility to co-ordinate research and development for Australia's national security.

History

DSTG has a history of delivering innovative science to support the Australian Defence Force. The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) was created in 1974 by amalgamating the Australian Defence Scientific Service with the Science Branch of the Department of Defence. Over the next 20 years various other Australian Defence laboratories were integrated with DSTO, including what remained of the Weapons Research Establishment, responsible for the Woomera test range.

Sites

DSTG has its headquarters at Fairbairn in Canberra with sites in each state of Australia: It also has a presence in the Russell Offices in Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory. Previous sites have included:

Chief Defence Scientist

The Chief Defence Scientist of Australia leads the Defence Science & Technology Group (DSTG Group). Prof. Tanya Monro is the current Chief Defence Scientist, having taken up the role in March 2019.

Organisational structure

DSTG streamlined its organisational structure to better reflect Defence priorities and align with the 2013 Defence White Paper. The new structure came into effect from 1 July 2013 and provided three Corporate Divisions: Science Strategy and Program Division, Science Partnerships and Engagement Division and Research Services Division along with seven Research Divisions: Maritime Division, Land Division, Aerospace Division, Joint and Operations Analysis Division, National Security and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Division, Cyber and Electronic Warfare Division, and Weapons and Combat Systems Division.

Equipment

Aircraft