Australia is rapidly accelerating the rate at which it can procure new defence equipment and technology amid a globally deteriorating strategic environment. Defence Industry, Science and Technology Minister Melissa Price has spearheaded the changes, which will involve slashing swathes of red tape that previously extended project negotiations by several years. “For a project that would have previously taken four years, or possibly even longer to get the point of a contract signature, these changes will reduce that period by up to 12 months,” Price said. The improved delivery of capability for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) comes following a September 2020 review into the previous process, with the new measures promising to cut on both time and financial cost for projects evaluated above $20 million. One of Australia’s most recent and most significant contracts includes a $1 billion weapons deal with South Korean firm Hanwha, a move that will bolster …