AWS wins $2B contract for Australian military top secret region build

Amazon has secured a $2 billion contract with the Australian government to establish a "top-secret" data cloud for storing classified military and intelligence information. The project involves building three highly secure data centers in undisclosed locations across the country to support the Top Secret (TS) Cloud, operated by a local subsidiary of Amazon Web Services (AWS). Expected to be operational by 2027, the initiative will leverage cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology. The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) and AWS will oversee the project, with an initial investment of $2 billion and additional operating costs in the future. The government emphasizes complete sovereignty over the cloud, highlighting collaboration opportunities with partner nations like the US and UK. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese anticipates the creation of over 2,000 jobs through this endeavor, aiming to enhance national security capabilities. AWS commits to continuous innovation and adaptation in this critical national security initiative, emphasizing a long-term partnership with the Australian government.