Australia’s Signals Directorate, part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, plans to invest over A$2 billion in a customised cloud solution for its intelligence and defense operations. The goal is to enhance collaboration, data storage, and access for the country’s agencies and partners. The move comes in response to escalating cyberattacks from China and Russia, highlighting the need for secure information sharing among allied nations.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the importance of the contract for national security and job creation, with Defense Minister Richard Marles noting the broader benefits for defense resilience and combat capabilities. The cloud initiative is part of Project REDSPICE, aimed at enhancing intelligence, cyber capabilities, and offensive defenses. AWS, which already serves the US intelligence community, was selected for its proven track record in providing secure cloud services.
Experts believe that secure clouds offer superior protection, operational flexibility, and system upgradability. The agreement reflects a growing trend towards digital warfare, where networks play a crucial role in intelligence gathering and cyber defense. By investing in cutting-edge technology, Australia aims to strengthen its position in the Indo-Pacific region and bolster its partnerships with key international allies.
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https://breakingdefense.com/2024/07/2-billion-aud-deal-for-top-secret-aussie-cloud-with-aws/?amp=1
