Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG)

The Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) is Australia's premier defense science and technology organization, operating within the Department of Defence. DSTG has its origins in the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), which was reorganized and renamed DSTG in 2016. The organization traces its scientific heritage back to the Defence Science Laboratories established in the post-World War II period.

DSTG's mission is to provide scientific and technological support to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the broader defense enterprise. The organization conducts research and development across all defense domains:

1. Hypersonics: DSTG is the Australian lead for the HIFiRE and SCIFiRE hypersonic research programs, partnering with the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). DSTG's hypersonic research includes scramjet propulsion, thermal protection systems, and hypersonic vehicle design.

2. Directed Energy Weapons: DSTG conducts research on high-energy laser (HEL) and high-power microwave (HPM) weapons. In March 2025, DSTG and QinetiQ Australia demonstrated an Australian-first scaleable high-power laser optical chain at QLabs in Adelaide. DSTG's DEW research supports the development of sovereign Australian laser weapon capabilities.

3. Quantum Technology: DSTG conducts research on quantum sensing, quantum clocks, quantum communications, and GPS-independent Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT). DSTG partners with QuantX Labs on quantum clock development for AUKUS Pillar 2.

4. Electronic Warfare: DSTG leads the JP9101 Electronic Warfare and Spectrum Dominance Program, developing advanced EW capabilities for the ADF. This includes electronic attack, electronic support measures, and spectrum management.

5. Autonomous Systems: DSTG conducts research on unmanned aerial, ground, and maritime systems, including collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) and loyal wingman concepts. DSTG supports the MQ-28A Ghost Bat program with scientific and technical expertise.

6. Space: DSTG supports the Australian Space Command with research on space domain awareness, space surveillance, and satellite systems. DSTG is involved in the DARC (Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability) program at Exmouth.

7. Cyber: DSTG conducts cybersecurity research and supports the ADF's cyber operations capability.

DSTG's key facilities and partnerships:

• Edinburgh Defence Precinct (South Australia): DSTG's primary research campus, co-located with RAAF Base Edinburgh. The precinct hosts hypersonic, EW, and autonomous systems research.
• Fishermans Bend (Victoria): Maritime and aerospace research.
• Canberra: Headquarters and strategic policy research.
• QLabs (Adelaide): Directed energy research facility operated with QinetiQ Australia.

DSTG is a critical partner in AUKUS Pillar 2, providing scientific expertise and research capabilities across all Pillar 2 technology domains. DSTG's established relationships with US AFRL, US Office of Naval Research (ONR), UK Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), and other allied research organizations facilitate AUKUS technology cooperation.

DSTG's role in the Australian defense innovation ecosystem includes funding and managing research grants, supporting the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA), and partnering with universities and industry on defense research. The organization is a major funder of Australian university defense research, particularly in hypersonics (University of Queensland), quantum technology (various universities), and autonomous systems.