Repair and Maintenance of Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) for WA Police Air Wing

The Western Australia Police Force currently possesses five sets of existing Aircraft FLIR systems that are used within its aircraft fleet. These utilise imaging technology that in turn detects infrared radiation that is typically derived from a heat source (thermal radiation). The operations using FLIR include the locating of persons that may be either: suspected of carrying out criminal offences and seeking concealment to evade detection and/or apprehension; orlost (i.e. as the subject of search and rescue operations). The Agency’s FLIR inventory consists of STAR SAFIRE model variants, manufactured by FLIR Systems Incorporated, USA. The technology is heavily used by military forces. As a consequence, the United States (US) government places heavy restrictions on both the export and usage (and any retransfer) of such devices. This also considers the conveyance of inherent technical information to foreign nationals (i.e. being non-US citizens), those of whom may be potentially prejudicial to US interests and possibly lead to enhancing military capabilities of its adversaries. Transmission of technical information would naturally encompass the maintenance and repair of such devices. Taking this into account, the FLIR system is considered a defence article as listed on the US Munitions List (USML) and is consequently a restricted item under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). ITAR are a set of US government regulations that control the export and import of defence-related articles and services on the USML. ITAR in turn, defines and makes provision for registered Technical Assistance Agreements (TAA), which serve as a “rule book” governing how and to what extent, technical information will be discussed, presented and/or conveyed by any means to a foreign national. TAAs are between companies or organisations that will engage in providing direct interface with foreign nationals. At this time, BAE Systems Australia Limited, Edinburgh, South Australia (BAE) is the only Australian company authorised by both FLIR and the US government for the maintenance and repair of FLIR products.