By Lucy Adautin
The Australian government has announced a US$1.3 billion deal with Amazon to create a custom cloud server for top-secret military intelligence.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) will design a “top secret” cloud for Australia’s military and intelligence agencies. This project includes constructing three data centers across the country.
This initiative aims to enhance “greater interoperability and deeper collaboration with the United States,” a key military ally, according to a government statement.
Rachel Noble, Director-General of the Australian Signals Directorate, stated that the cloud would support the “Redspice” intelligence program, targeting the increasing threat of cyber attacks.
The national security agency plans to increase its use of artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze data, facilitated by the new top-secret data centers.
Andrew Shearer, Director-General of National Intelligence, emphasized the priority of interoperability with security partners like the United States.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted that the partnership between the Australian Signals Directorate and AWS would bolster national security capabilities and generate 2,000 local jobs.
