The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) headquarters is moving this week from Russell offices to new purpose-built facilities at Fairbairn Business Park near Canberra airport.

The relocation is part of a move to consolidate DSTO sites in Canberra, including its facilities at Fern Hill.

Chief defence scientist Dr Roger Lough said the new Fairbairn facilities provide better opportunities for enhanced support to defence capability.

"At Fairbairn we will have state-of-the-art facilities for a range of advanced simulation and experimentation activities to support warfighting concepts and future force development," he said.

"These facilities will link with other industry simulation centres around Australia and allow DSTO to present Defence with the best options to help decision-making on investments in the future.

"The relocation coincides with DSTO's new client-focused science and technology program, which is all about delivering a more flexible, timely and relevant program to our Defence and national security clients," Dr Lough said.

"There will be minimal disruption to program delivery, so it will remain 'business as usual' for our stakeholders and industry partners."

Dr Lough said the relocation was another milestone in the history of DSTO which was celebrating the centenary of the appointment of the first scientist to the Department of Defence in 1907.

"For 100 years science and technology has been playing a critical role in enhancing the effectiveness of the Australian Defence Force," Dr Lough said. "I see DSTO continuing that proud tradition into the future."