‘Directed energy weapons’ are on the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) wishlist – the military wants to build a ‘laser that can stop a tank’. However, strict procedures remain in place to ensure that only those with a lawful need to import electromagnetic (EM) weapons and their parts into Australia are able to do so, provided they meet certain conditions and requirements.
In March this year, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles launched Australian startup AIM Defence’s new directed energy testing range on the outskirts of Melbourne. In April, the Defence Science and Technology group announced a A$13 million deal with British defence technology company QinetiQ to develop a prototype defensive laser. And directed energy technology is a priority in the new A$3.4 billion Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) program.
EM weapons are a type of directed energy weaponry which use electromagnetic radiation to deliver heat, mechanical, or electrical energy to a target to cause pain or permanent damage. They can be used against humans, electronic equipment, and military targets generally, depending on the technology.
When used against equipment, directed electromagnetic energy weapons can operate similarly to omnidirectional electromagnetic pulse (EMP) devices, by inducing destructive voltage within electronic wiring. The term electromagnetic weapon may also refer to a directed-energy weapon (DEW), a ranged weapon system that emits highly focused energy.
The ADF’s Force Structure Plan calls for a directed energy weapon system capable of defeating armoured vehicles up to and including main battle tanks.
Last year the Australian Border Force (ABF) amended the rules to control the importation of EM weapons under schedule 13 of the Prohibited Imports Regulations, to ensure that the community remains protected from new and emerging weapons technologies. Weapons are prohibited entry to Australia unless permission has been granted in accordance with the requirements of the Regulations.
To have ‘sovereign capability,’ i.e. being able to produce these weapons without relying on inputs from overseas, Australia will need to develop its own industries. But it is no easy task to quickly develop an industrial capability in technologies that our industrial base has until now largely ignored. In peacetime, it is easier to acquire the raw materials for a directed energy weapon from overseas.
Again, it is stressed that permission is required from the ABF in order to import these goods to Australia. The penalties for importing prohibited weapons without a permit can include a fine of up to 2,500 penalty units (currently $555,000), imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both.
For correct advice on all your Customs clearance and import shipping needs, contact us here at Colless Young. As a licensed Customs Broker and International Freight Forwarder, Colless Young handles your consignments economically and professionally. Based in Brisbane, we provide a complete range of logistics services, both import & export, by sea cargo and airfreight, at all major Australian ports and airports.
