An Australian university researcher who has collaborated with Chinese military scientists on projects involving battlefield communication and covert surveillance has received a third Australian Research Council (ARC) grant worth $1.3 million for research on advanced wireless technology. The funding supports work at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) aimed at developing 6G wireless networks using antennas capable of real-time repositioning to enhance speed and efficiency.
Dr. Derrick Wing Kwan Ng, an associate professor and secure communications expert at UNSW, is the sole investigator on the latest grant, which brings the total ARC funding for his research this year to approximately $3.56 million. Previous grants supported studies co-authored by Dr. Ng alongside researchers from China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Army Engineering University and other Chinese defense institutions, sparking government and opposition scrutiny.
Research papers linked to Dr. Ng and published in journals such as IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology describe work on covert communication techniques in drone networks and battlefield Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The studies explore methods to maintain the secrecy and timeliness of signal transmissions to avoid detection or disruption by adversaries during combat. One paper refers to the challenge of sustaining drone flight endurance while enabling covert wireless communications, partially funded by both Australian public grants and Chinese government organizations.
Further investigations have highlighted that a Melbourne-based company supplying counter-drone technology to the Australian Defence Forces is marketing a product resembling a Chinese-developed system previously licensed to a Canadian firm under Chinese control. The Sky-Control system, supplied by KeyOptions, is in use at an Australian F-35A Joint Strike Fighter base and has reportedly received additional taxpayer funding through the ARC.
Opposition politicians have called for inquiries into the use of technology linked to Chinese entities in protecting critical Australian military infrastructure, while government officials maintain that procurement processes meet national security standards. Dr. Ng has declined to comment on his research collaborations with Chinese military-affiliated scientists but has been recognized for his expertise and contributions to wireless communications research.
The involvement of Chinese government institutions alongside Australian public funding in projects examining military-related wireless technologies has prompted debate over the potential risks and benefits of international academic cooperation amid broader geopolitical tensions. Researchers note that applications such as environmental sensing and health management also benefit from advancements in IoT and 6G networks, though some of these technologies have dual-use potential affecting national security considerations.
At this stage, no allegations of wrongdoing have been made against Dr. Ng or the institutions involved, but the developments have intensified calls for greater transparency and review of research partnerships that intersect with foreign defense agencies.