The Australian Government is set to spend A$30m to establish a defence research center in Victoria.
The Defence Materials Technology Centre will concentrate its research on air force, navy, armour and propulsion systems.
Defence Science and Personnel Minister Warren Snowdon says: "The centre will deliver improved armour protection for military personnel carriers vital for the protection of Australian troops deployed around the world."
Companies involved include BAE, GKN Aerospace, BlueScope Steel, Surface Technology, Thales and the Cooperative Research Centre for Advanced Composite Structures.
By Adrian McBreen
