Defence is accelerating its digital transformation with a $15 million investment aimed at enhancing capability development and decision-making across the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Under the three-year program, Australian technology company Kompozition will deliver a digital mission engineering capability, enabling Defence to design, test and evaluate systems using advanced digital models in a secure virtual environment.

The capability will allow Defence to simulate operational scenarios before real-world deployment, reducing program risk while improving the speed at which new capabilities are delivered. 

Officials expect the approach to lower development, integration and sustainment costs, while strengthening battlespace awareness in increasingly complex and contested environments.

The initiative builds on existing digital modelling work within Defence, particularly in Joint Capabilities Group. Current modelling is helping shape the next iteration of Cohere, the ADF’s Cyber Domain Concept.

Led by Cyber Command, the project represents one of the first uses of advanced digital modelling to develop and formally publish a Defence concept.

'This partnership marks a significant step in enabling faster and more informed capability decisions.'

Head of Space and Cyber Capabilities Rear Admiral Andrew Quinn said the investment came at a critical time.

“Defence personnel operate in contested and congested environments where information and decision-making superiority over adversaries is critical for national security,” he said.

“This partnership marks a significant step in enabling faster and more informed capability decisions.”

Kompozition Chief Executive Officer Michael Ninness said the collaboration would strengthen Australia’s operational readiness and technological advantage.

“Digital mission engineering will enhance interoperability with allies, reduce program risk and cost, and enable a more agile and responsive Defence Force,” he said.

The investment aligns with key national priorities, including the National Defence Strategy 2026 and the Integrated Investment Program, and supports both the Defence Industry Development Strategy and Defence Digital Engineering Strategy. 

A strong focus is placed on building sovereign capability through partnerships with Australian industry.

Defence expects the approach to transform how it designs and delivers complex systems, including autonomous platforms and next-generation naval capabilities, while enabling faster, data-driven decisions.

Overall, the program underscores Defence’s commitment to leveraging advanced technologies to maintain a strategic edge and respond rapidly to emerging threats.