Defence signs deal for better IED detector

Defence has signed a new agreement with an Australian firm to further develop a hand-held device to detect landmines and improvised explosive devices.

Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne said the $6.7 million innovation collaboration deal with Minelab Electronics would ensure Australian troops were equipped with the lightest, most compact and capable detection device available.

Minelab had been working with Defence since 2014 and the new equipment would reduce the risk of casualties among soldiers in the field, he said.