A South Australian defence technology company is teaming up with a Polish sensing specialist to develop new security and electronic warfare technology, with the partnership expected to create dozens of local jobs.
Adelaide-based RFTEQ has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Poland-based European sensing company XY-Sensing to explore new opportunities across advanced radio frequency, radar, sensing and mission-system technologies.
The collaboration will focus on developing technology designed to tackle increasingly complex security and operational challenges, including next-generation systems for detecting and monitoring drones and unmanned systems, border security and critical infrastructure protection.
The MOU was signed at MSPO, one of Europe’s largest military defence exhibitions, following a technology assessment workshop held between the two companies last month.
During the workshop, RFTEQ and XY-Sensing identified areas of common ground across their capabilities, approach to innovation and future goals.
For RFTEQ, the partnership also comes as the South Australian company prepares for a significant period of growth.
The company expects to hire 30 additional staff over the next 12 months, expanding its specialist engineering, production, integration and support teams to meet growing demand for its advanced detection and jamming platforms manufactured in South Australia.
That growth is expected to continue, with RFTEQ forecasting another 150 positions over the following four years.
The new roles are expected to strengthen South Australia’s sovereign defence capability while creating more high-value manufacturing jobs and opening the door to new export opportunities in Europe.
The partnership could also have a flow-on effect for local suppliers and the broader Australian defence industry, with increased supply chain activity, technical collaboration and delivery capacity.
Minister for Defence and Space Industries Chris Picton said, “This partnership combines the expertise from Australia and Poland to develop smarter technology for defence forces.
“It’s recognition of the high-calibre work happening in South Australia’s defence industry and in particular our research and development sector.
“SA’s growing defence industry generated a record $2 billion in economic activity last financial year and its partnerships like this that continue to create new opportunities for highly skilled local jobs.”
The collaboration was coordinated by Westberi, RFTEQ’s strategic advisor in Europe, which works with Australian defence technology companies looking to establish partnerships and expand into European markets.
RFTEQ CEO David Kinnaird said, “This MOU marks an important step for RFTEQ and XY-Sensing, bringing together complementary expertise to accelerate innovation, expand market opportunities, and deliver advanced solutions for defence, security, and critical infrastructure customers.”
Over the coming months, RFTEQ and XY-Sensing will assess potential projects, engage with industry and government stakeholders and explore opportunities across both domestic and international markets.
For South Australia, the partnership represents another potential boost for the state’s growing defence technology sector, with new jobs, advanced manufacturing and international collaboration all forming part of the expansion.
