18:06 GMT, March 18, 2010 Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science has commissioned a new supercomputer for the Defence Signals Directorate (DSD).

“The new supercomputer delivered by Cray Inc supports DSD’s signals intelligence and cyber security missions. It also supports the White Paper goal of providing more and faster intelligence support and assists in the response to cyber incidents and threats,” Mr Combet said.

“This new supercomputer represents a cutting edge capability and was delivered in close collaboration with industry.

“The Government has made a commitment under the Defence White Paper 2009 to significantly upgrade intelligence and cyber security capabilities.

“Intelligence is fundamental to the security of our deployed forces and to wider government in protecting Australia against external threats such as terrorism.

“DSD is the national agency responsible for the production of foreign signals intelligence and the Commonwealth’s authority on information, communications and computer security.

“The Government also recently established the Cyber Security Operations Centre at DSD. The Centre will provide the government with a comprehensive understanding of cyber threats and coordinate operational responses to cyber events,” Mr Combet said.