20 December 2024
Gallipoli Barracks was recently the scene for an inspection of one of the ADFs new level two counter-IED weapons technical intelligence (L2 WTI) laboratories being delivered by Project Land 154-2 in association with the Defence Science and Technology Group.
Each L2 WTI facility is a self-contained containerised and deployable processing facility that allows ADF personnel to rapidly respond to improvised explosive device (IED) blast events and other threats in order to provide critical analysis of evidence.
Commander 6th Brigade, Brigadier Deane Limmer, said it was a privilege to open the new facility at the barracks on November 22.
“Originating from concepts in operational theatres in the Middle East more than a decade ago in response to enduring improvised explosive threats, the opening of the Level 2 facility marks a significant milestone in the ADF’s wider material exploitation and technical intelligence capability,” he said.
The facility will help address the IED threats that deployed ADF personnel may be exposed to by allowing personnel to maintain a watching brief and conduct research regarding potential threats.
The facility will be operated by Army’s 1st Intelligence Battalion (1 Int Bn) and deployed on operations as required.
1 Int Bn will provide command and control and the workforce to support the capability, drawing on the expertise of its members from the intelligence, military police and ammunition technician trades.
1 Int Bn’s training and engagement with domestic and international colleagues is ensuring alignment with best practices and developments in the exploitation and intelligence fields.
Officer Commanding 1 Int Bn’s 4 Company, Major Gerard Hinchliffe, said the introduction into service of the laboratories marked a significant enhancement to the ADF’s material exploitation (Matex) capability.
“It bridges the gap between the current Level 1 tactical Matex teams attached to combat brigades and Australia’s National Strategic Level 3 exploitation facilities,” Major Hinchliffe said.
During the development of the capability, Defence Science and Technology Group's Cyber and Electronic Warfare Division provided technical expertise, modelling and physical test-bed capabilities.
Specialist project management and sustainment engineering will be provided by Australian, veteran-founded companies EPE and Nova Systems.
Project Land 154-2 has delivered two L2 WTIs – the dedicated training facility at Gallipoli Barracks and a deployable facility based in Adelaide.
Final operational capability was declared by Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart in early 2024.
