In March 2024, the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) launched the Australian component of the AUKUS Electronic Warfare Innovation Challenge alongside the United Kingdom Defence Innovation, and the United States Defence Innovation Unit.

The AUKUS Electronic Warfare Innovation Challenge focuses on leveraging electromagnetic spectrum technologies and capabilities that provide a competitive advantage to electromagnetic targeting, and those that protect Defence from adversary electromagnetic targeting capabilities.

Milestones

In January 2025, Advanced Design Technology (ADT) and PentenAmio entered into 12-month contracts with Defence, with a combined value of more than $8 million (excluding GST) to further develop their technologies. Both companies were previously involved in stage 1 co-development workshops.

In August 2025, ADT’s GRASSHOPPER payload, and PentenAmio’s Next Generation Electronic Deception demonstrated their capability at Maritime Big Play.

Background

ASCA released a Request for Proposal (RFP) on 27 March 2024 through AusTender - AUKUS EW Innovation Challenge and the RFP closed on 14 May 2024.

The winners for stage one were chosen by each AUKUS country and announced in September 2024 as part of the AUKUS Defence Ministers’ meeting. Three Australian industry partners were selected for the national prize.

For details on the UK and US winners, view the following pages:

• UK organisations selected in first AUKUS Innovation Challenge
• First Trilateral AUKUS Pillar II Prize Competition Completed.