Chief defence scientist, Dr Roger Lough, today announced that eight proposals have been selected under the latest funding round for the Defence Capability and Technology Demonstrator (CTD) program.

The CTD Program, managed by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), enables defence and industry to collaboratively explore emerging technology developments and assess their potential to enhance ADF capability and the likely technical risks associated with acquisition of the technology.

Dr Lough said more than $160 million has been committed to the program over the past nine years.

The program, which now has 35 active demonstrator projects, helps Australian companies to develop and demonstrate high-technology innovations with potential application by the Australian Defence Force.

"DSTO is working with companies including Tenix, BAE Systems, Thales, L-3 Nautronix and Tectonica as well as CSIRO to develop new technologies that could result in major savings for defence, spin-offs for civilian applications and export opportunities," he said.

"The research and development work conducted by these groups is a demonstration of what can be achieved by defence and industry working together to protect Australia and its national interests.

"The new technologies to be demonstrated under the program have the potential to provide new ways to protect Australian troops and the equipment in which they operate."

Technogies to be put in to service range from new wearable body armour to land vehicle small arms protection and soldier-powered battery packs, to underwater threat surveillance and aircraft health monitoring systems.

- with Sandra Rossi