Defence and CSIRO to produce Prototype Respirator Filter to Protect Soldiers

A production-ready prototype of a new broad spectrum chemical, biological and radiological respirator filter for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) will be developed with the collaboration of the Department of Defence and the Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).

Minster for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne, MP, welcomed the signing of a $3.2 million innovation collaboration agreement between Defence and the CSIRO today.

“This is a wonderful example of leveraging world class Australian scientific research and development to produce a respirator canister that provides levels of protection unavailable today”, Minister Pyne said.

The CSIRO has been working with Defence since February 2016 to develop a prototype filter that would meet the ADF’s capability needs for respiratory protection using an innovative nanotechnology that provides enhanced protection against toxic industrial chemicals.

Following successful completion of the proof of concept phase of the project, Defence has committed funding of $3.2 million to enable CSIRO to develop this technology known as Metal Organic Frameworks into a filter canister for use with the in-service respirator.

Minister Pyne said that this collaboration reflects the Government’s strong commitment to support building innovation opportunities between Defence and research organisations.

"The 2016 Defence Industry Policy Statementoutlined the Government’s commitment to building and harnessing the innovation potential of Australia’s defence industry", Mr Pyne said.

"Later this year, the Turnbull Government will launch the Defence Innovation Hub, which brings together existing Defence innovation programs to deliver a more streamlined and agile approach to Defence investment in innovation".