Collaboration Secured: ASD Signs Contract with Amazon Web Services for Top-tier Secret Cloud Services
The Australian Government has reached an agreement with Amazon Web Services (AWS) for a top-secret iCloud, marking a significant step forward in bolstering the country's defence capabilities. This partnership is part of the AUD8.5-11 billion to 2033-34 investment, as announced in the 2024 Integrated Investment Program, to enhance defence's enterprise data and ICT.
AWS will establish a sovereign iCloud in Australia to deliver services to the government, with the iCloud being purpose-built for Australia's defence and national intelligence agencies. This critical enabling capability will securely host the country's most sensitive information, supporting the Australian Defence Force's military operations.
The joint initiative between AWS and the Australian Government will see Australian businesses design and build the iCloud platform, driving innovation and job creation in cybersecurity, data analytics, and cloud computing. The partnership aims to help the Australian Government achieve its missions faster and offers significant opportunities for Australia's defence industry to deliver and integrate new capabilities using these iCloud services.
The iCloud will improve Australia's ability to share and analyze classified data at speed and scale, enhancing interoperability and deeper collaboration with the United States. AWS's $9.1 billion investment in Australian infrastructure since its launch in 2011 and its planned $13.2 billion investment by 2027, making it the largest tech investment in Australia's history, underscore the company's commitment to the partnership.
Amazon's Davy Levy stated that AWS is excited to partner with the Australian Government to provide innovative, efficient, and effective iCloud services to enhance national defence capabilities and protect citizens. The partnership will enable the Australian Government and its defence and intelligence agencies to securely share information and speed up innovation.
Moreover, the iCloud initiative offers opportunities to harness leading technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, further boosting Australia's defence capabilities. The Australian Government has also pledged AUD2 billion to bolster cyber capabilities over the next ten years, demonstrating its commitment to securing the nation's digital future.
While the name of the program sponsor responsible for the top-secret iCloud initiative with Amazon Web Services in Australia on behalf of the national intelligence community remains undisclosed, the partnership is a testament to the growing collaboration between the tech industry and the government in enhancing Australia's defence capabilities.
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