AUSTRALIAN+NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE DIRECTORY 2025 www.defence.directory 23 SOVEREIGN CAPABILITY EDITORIALS AMIGA ENGINEERING: PIONEERING INNOVATION AND EMPOWERING AUSTRALIAN SOVEREIGN CAPABILITY In Defence, Australian Owned Sovereign capability represents progress and self-reliance. Amiga Engineering leads this transformation, heralding a new era of innovation and manufacturing excellence. This story highlights the exciting changes and opportunities ahead for Amiga Engineering and other Australian SMEs. Amiga Engineering presents Australia’s first sovereign capability to manufacture lightweight titanium armour with explicitly tuned microstructural features and material properties, ensuring high ballistic protection performance. This innovation addresses the critical issue of restricted availability of titanium ballistic materials due to international export regulations, high aerospace industry demand, and global production limitations. The innovation allows Amiga Engineering to create new, complex and innovative armour component designs that are unachievable through traditional manufacturing methods. These new designs can enhance protection for niche critical equipment and specific areas on military platforms, thereby increasing operational survivability. Moreover, the decentralized nature of additive manufacturing, combined with new sovereign armour material supply chain, offers significant support for ADF forward operational projection and future platform sustainment strategies. Uses include vehicle protection of critical items and systems making sure vehicles in harms way can keep going. Protection of Alternators, fuel injection pumps, water pumps, timing chains, computers, sensor arrays, laser sighting devices, hatches, latches, hinges, front grills, radiators and behind headlight point of entry. Where shaped ballistic protection is required in tight spaces. Protection of robots and roving equipment. Stanag L1, L2, L3 personal protection. Additionally, as a manufacturer with exclusive capabilities in areas such as additive manufacturing, Amiga plays a crucial role in supporting current technological advancements for the defence industry. Our advanced manufacturing processes enable us to produce high quality components with unparalleled precision, meeting the stringent requirements of defence applications and enhancing Australia’s sovereign capabilities. As well as being the only company in Australia certified to print in materials such as Scalmalloy and exclusive tungsten. In the realm of suppressors, a symphony of manufacturing and innovation unfolds. The journey of crafting the perfect suppressor involved meticulous iteration, with 300 variations created over three years. The result? A masterpiece manufactured using Amiga’s own in-house Metal 3D technology and design that not only reduces sound but also eliminates gas emissions, is lightweight, and meets MIL spec, safeguarding the well-being of operators. As Amiga takes this innovation to market, aspirations of global recognition come to the forefront. Hypersonics, the cutting-edge buzz, beckons with promises of new frontiers. Collaborations and breakthroughs with companies like DMTC and Hypersonix Launch Systems propel Amiga Engineering towards a horizon where sovereign capability aligns with global supply. With offerings spanning engines, frames, wings, struts, cooling skins, leading-edge protection, assembly, and more, the company’s imprint on the Defence landscape is poised to expand. Amidst the ebb and flow of challenges and breakthroughs, one truth remains unshaken: doers pave the way for change. The power to effect decisions and catalyse transformation rests in the hands of those willing to tread uncharted territories. This year, Michael and his team had a taste of this excitement, propelling them to forge ahead and translate their endeavours into tangible results. The challenges of innovation may be complex, but the promise they hold for Australia’s sovereign capability is unparalleled. Decision made from the floor through visibility of production schedules to create DFOT and KPI’s is now forefront with the inception of industry 4.0.This year Amiga has collaborated with Integra Systems and is employing their kiosks 4.0. This was from a humble journey of DMTC “Factory in a box” program. With the assistance of Vic SCUP grant. As an SME, Amiga Engineering is poised to showcase Australian innovation on the global stage. By leveraging the Defence Industry Hub—now ASCA—our Ballistic Titanium Armour is set to make a significant impact. This shift will help us move beyond the notion of Australia as a Defence backwater and highlight our industry’s capabilities. Our investment into new technology and equipment is high-risk financing this equipment is difficult with the major banks since the Royal Commission. We have taken great risk to purchase high-end, high-value machinery in advance believing “build it and they will come”. This has created positive results, however we await the build-up of Defence supply chain activity to fully utilize these purchases. We have observed situations where, despite producing the highest quality components endorsed by prime contractors, the Commonwealth often opts for the lowest price and minimal engineering engagement. As early adopters of advanced technology and capabilities, we bear the cost of continuous training and equipment cycles with high failure rates. To maintain Australia’s competitive edge on the global stage, the Commonwealth must prioritize quality over price and support pioneering companies like ours. Amiga Engineering’s focus is on “Engineering Solutions to Empower Your Ideas.” By innovating and bridging traditional and modern manufacturing, we position Australia as a strong player in the global Defence sector. Each breakthrough advances Australian Sovereign Industry Capability, driving the future of innovation and manufacturing. Michael Bourchier Managing Director Amiga Engineering
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