$730m to tackle new defence threats

Academics and entrepreneurs are teaming up with Defence scientists to combat unconventional military threats including chemical and biological hazards.

The federal government is pumping $730 million into the collaboration, with military heads to put forward problems that have no easy solutions and ask those involved to come up with an answer.

"As our enemies devise new ways to attack, our defence force must have advanced ways to respond and overcome new threats," Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne said on Thursday.