Amazon has secured a $2 billion contract with the Australian government to build three high-security data centers at undisclosed locations in order to store classified military and intelligence information. The project, which is set to be operational by 2027, will create over 2,000 jobs and be managed by a local subsidiary of Amazon Web Services. The Australian Signals Directorate will lead the project, which aims to utilize cutting-edge AI technology to safeguard the country’s national security. The government is expected to invest billions more in operating costs in the coming years to support the project, which was first revealed by Director General of National Intelligence Andrew Shearer in a speech to an American audience. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has emphasized the importance of enhancing the country’s defense and intelligence capabilities to address complex security challenges. ASD CEO Rachel Noble noted that the project will provide a secure space for the intelligence and defense community to access top-secret data. AWS Australia managing director Iain Rouse expressed the company’s commitment to working with the Australian government on this critical national security initiative.
Article Source
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-07-04/amazon-contract-top-secret-australian-military-intelligence/104057196
