Northrop Grumman celebrates the successful completion of the proof-of-concept phase of its Hollow Core Optical Fibre project, delivered in partnership with the University of Adelaide and supported by funding from Defence Trailblazer’s Technology Development & Acceleration portfolio.
This milestone represents a significant advancement towards South Australia entering Northrop Grumman’s Global Supply Chain in support of future defence capabilities.
“This project is a great example of how collaboration between government, industry and research can deliver real outcomes for Australia’s sovereign defence capability,” said Rob Denney, Country Executive at Northrop Grumman Australia. “We are proud to work alongside the University of Adelaide, and our South Australian partners to advance this world-leading photonics technology.”
Project investigators at Northrop Grumman and the Institute of Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS) at the University of Adelaide have worked in collaboration to develop next generation optical fibres for inertial navigation. The next phase will focus on transitioning this cutting-edge technology from research to commercialization, creating opportunities for South Australian suppliers and strengthening Australia’s sovereign industrial capability.
“The ability to domestically fabricate fibres for Fibre Optic Gyroscopes is essential for Australia’s sovereign capability in supporting our Australian Defence Force,” said Dr Sanjay Mazumdar, Executive Director of Defence Trailblazer.
“This partnership with Northrop Grumman, University of Adelaide and Defence Trailblazer is a significant step forward in generating a sovereign capability for Australia. The project team is in an excellent position to deliver more complex structures, for future fabrication tasks.”
Following the successful completion of the 12-month project, the project investigators have submitted a funding proposal to the Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) program with the University of Adelaide, Norseld Photonics in Adelaide andNG Mission Systems, with outcomes to be announced in March 2026.
“The successful completion of this proof of concept is a testament to South Australia’s world-class Defence research capability,” said Michael Brown MP, Assistant Minister for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, Defence and Space Industries. “It highlights the importance of collaboration between government, industry and academia to solve complex challenges and advancing technologies that strengthen our national resilience.”
Pictured left to right: Emily Ouro, Project Manager; Dr Margaret Law, General Manager – Technology Development & Acceleration (both Defence Trailblazer); Michael Brown MP, Assistant Minister for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, Defence and Space Industries; Rob Denney – Country Executive Australia (Northrop Grumman); Piers Lincoln, Manager of the Institute for Photonics & Advanced Sensing (IPAS), University of Adelaide. Photographed at the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition 2025, Sydney.
