South Australia is Australia’s premier defence state – set to play a crucial role in the AUKUS partnership as home to construction of Australia’s fleet of SSN-AUKUS conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
Globally recognised for its innovation and advanced manufacturing capabilities, the state delivers complex defence programs across maritime, air, land, space and cyber domains. Our leadership in collaborative defence research and development, combined with our world-class universities and experienced defence industry, positions South Australia as a powerhouse in defence innovation.
South Australia is at the forefront of Australia’s defence and space industries, home to critical defence infrastructure, including Osborne Naval Shipyard. Among the most technologically advanced naval shipbuilding facilities in the world, Osborne will play a pivotal role in delivering Australia’s next generation submarine capabilities as one of only four connected shipyards across the AUKUS partnership.
With a highly-skilled workforce and a thriving network of more than 400 specialised small and medium enterprises and seven of the world’s top 10 defence companies, South Australia’s is building defence capability for the future.
A strong delegation of South Australian defence companies will be attending Sea Air Space 2026, demonstrating advanced manufacturing capabilities and expertise across naval shipbuilding, autonomous systems, guided weapons and explosive ordnance, cyber and electronic warfare.
Visit the South Australia – The Defence State lounge at Sea Air Space in Potomac & Chesapeake, location ML103, to connect with South Australian defence industry and discover how the state is shaping the future of global defence.
South Australian companies at Sea Air Space 2026
South Australia is home to seven of the world’s top ten defence companies and more than 400 small to medium defence-related organisations and leading research institutions. A growing ecosystem of more than 100 space companies is also adding to the State’s space-related capabilities. Together, they reinforce South Australia’s position at the forefront of the nation’s defence and space sectors.
More than 20 companies, research and education institutions will join the South Australian delegation at Sea Air Space. Explore the list below:
To see the full list of organisations within the defence and space sector in South Australia visit our Defence Industry Directory and Space Industry Directory.
South Australian Government spotlight
Defence SA is the South Australian Government’s lead agency for all defence-related matters, encompassing the South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC) and the Defence Innovation Partnership (DIP). Across the broader State Government, Invest SA serves as the dedicated investment attraction agency. Together, these entities provide a coordinated, whole of government approach to supporting the growth of the space, defence and research sectors.
Defence SA is South Australia’s lead government agency for all defence matters, driving industry growth, supporting major projects and strengthening the State’s defence capabilities.
SASIC drives space industry innovation, research and growth in South Australia, with a vision to create a thriving and enduring space ecosystem.
DIP is a catalyst for defence-relevant R&D collaborations in South Australia, working with industry and academia to deliver enhanced capabilities to Defence.
Invest SA is South Australia’s dedicated investment attraction agency, operating within the Department of State Development. They partner directly with domestic and international companies, investors and industry leaders to identify commercial opportunities and enable successful market entry, expansion and collaboration.
South Australia’s defence and space projects
South Australia’s experienced and capable industrial base is part of the supply chain delivering many of the country’s largest and most complex defence projects and is at the forefront of the nation’s space endeavours.
Complementing these strengths are advanced capabilities in advanced systems, aerospace, land and the space sector. The State also drives innovation in defence through collaborative research initiatives such as the Defence Innovation Partnership.
Below is a snapshot of major defence projects currently underway in South Australia:
Nuclear-Powered Submarine Program
Nuclear-Powered Submarine Program
Australia and the United Kingdom are forging a new era of defence collaboration through SSN-AUKUS – a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine program. Both nations will work side by side on the design, construction, operation, sustainment, and disposal of the SSN-AUKUS fleet.
Based on the UK’s next generation design, construction will commence at the end of the decade at Osborne in South Australia.
Collins Class Submarines
Collins Class Submarines
A crucial asset of the Royal Australian Navy, the Collins Class submarine fleet were the first submarines to be constructed in Australia at South Australia’s Osborne Naval Shipyard between 1996 and 2003.
Today, the shipyard is the site of the ongoing Full-Cycle Docking and Life of Type Extension programs for the fleet.
Hunter Class Frigates
Hunter Class Frigates
Based at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in Adelaide, the Hunter class frigate program will deliver a fleet of six world-class anti-submarine warfare frigates to boost the undersea warfare and strike capabilities of the Royal Australian Navy.
The first frigate will be delivered in 2032.
Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft
Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft
RAAF Base Edinburgh in Adelaide is the base for the nation’s fleet of P-8A Poseidon maritime intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and response aircraft.
A purpose-built 737 deep maintenance and modification facility is also being established (scheduled for completion by mid 2026) to provide the critical infrastructure necessary for onshore maintenance and upgrade of the aircraft.
Triton Unmanned Aircraft System
Triton Unmanned Aircraft System
South Australia will be the centre of Australia’s strategic unmanned aerial vehicle fleet, with ground control operations for the Triton fleet being managed by the No. 9 Squadron at RAAF Base Edinburgh.
MC-55A Peregrine
MC-55A Peregrine
The Australian Government will acquire four modified MC-55A Peregrine aircraft, based out of RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia.
The first of the fleet was delivered to RAAF Base Edinburgh in February 2026.
Jindalee Operational Radar Network
Jindalee Operational Radar Network
The Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) is a multi-billion dollar investment supporting three over-the-horizon radar systems that use HF radar and ionospheric reflection to provide surveillance coverage of Australia’s northern air and sea approaches.
Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance
Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance
South Australia is playing a critical role in advancing Australia’s sovereign capability in guided weapons and explosive ordnance.
In December 2025, a Missile Assembly Facility began operations at Port Wakefield to support the production of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System missiles for the Australian Defence Force.
Land-19
Land-19
Australia’s $2.5 billion short-range air defence missile system program is currently underway at the Centre for Joint Integration in Mawson Lakes in South Australia. The project will deliver the Australian Army-operated component including radars, missile launchers and command & control systems and integration with existing Army vehicles.
Space
Space
Home to the Australian Space Agency, Australian Space Discovery Centre, Australian Mission Control Centre, two launch facilities and more than 100 space-related companies, South Australia is at the forefront of the nation’s space endeavours.
Research & Development
Research & Development
South Australia has a long history of success in defence research, which is underpinned by the collaboration of defence industry, research organisations and educational institutions to find innovative solutions for the Australian Defence Force and defence projects.
Cyber
Cyber
South Australia is home to a thriving cluster of companies with cyber expertise, committed to building cyber capacity and securing Australia’s digital landscape.
Information Warfare
Information Warfare
South Australia is a key operational hub for Defence intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and electronic warfare.
Defence and space infrastructure and precincts
South Australia is also home to world-class infrastructure and state-of-the-art defence precincts ensuring local industry is equipped to deliver the defence and space capabilities needed now and into the future.
OSBORNE NAVAL SHIPYARD
OSBORNE NAVAL SHIPYARD
The Osborne Naval Shipyard is one of the most technologically advanced naval shipyards in the world. Home of South Australia’s continuous naval shipbuilding program, the site supports project including the Hunter class frigates, the life of type extension and sustainment of the Collins class submarines and the future build of submarines for the AUKUS Nuclear-powered Submarine Program.
EDINBURGH DEFENCE PRECINCT
EDINBURGH DEFENCE PRECINCT
Edinburgh Defence Precinct is a key operational hub for advanced intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and electronic warfare capabilities and central to supporting key Defence aircraft and infrastructure.
TECHNOLOGY PARK ADELAIDE
TECHNOLOGY PARK ADELAIDE
Located in Mawson Lakes in northern Adelaide, Technology Park Adelaide hosts a dynamic community of defence companies focused on systems development and integration, information communication technology, advanced manufacturing and electronics.
TONSLEY INNOVATION DISTRICT
TONSLEY INNOVATION DISTRICT
Tonsley Innovation District brings together research industry and government to drive innovation, advanced manufacturing, Industry 4.0 technologies, research and training. It is also the location of the Flinders Factory of the Future and digital shipyard.
LOT FOURTEEN
LOT FOURTEEN
Lot Fourteen is a world-class innovation district located in Adelaide’s CBD, home to 160 organisations. The innovation district focuses on space, defence, cyber and creative industries, enabled via critical technologies.
DEFENCE AND SPACE LANDING PAD
DEFENCE AND SPACE LANDING PAD
Located at Lot Fourteen in Adelaide’s CBD, the Defence and Space Landing Pad is available for companies looking to establish a presence in South Australia. Managed by Defence SA, the site offers affordable, short-term office facilities and connects companies to a network of companies working within the defence and space sectors.
DEEP MAINTENANCE AND MODIFICATION FACILITY (DMMF)
DEEP MAINTENANCE AND MODIFICATION FACILITY (DMMF)
The $200 million Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility (DMMF) is a landmark South Australian defence infrastructure project that is set to transform Australia’s sovereign capability in military aircraft sustainment and support.
WOOMERA RANGE COMPLEX
WOOMERA RANGE COMPLEX
The Woomera Range Complex is the largest land-based test range in the world, covering 122,000 square kilometres.
LAUNCH FACILITIES
LAUNCH FACILITIES
South Australia is home two approved launch facilities, Koonibba Test Range and Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex.
PORT WAKEFIELD PROOF AND EXPERIMENTAL ESTABLISHMENT
PORT WAKEFIELD PROOF AND EXPERIMENTAL ESTABLISHMENT
The Port Wakefield Proof and Experimental Establishment hosts weapons trials, munitions proofing and environmental testing for the ADF.
CULTANA TRAINING AREA
CULTANA TRAINING AREA
Situated 370 kilometres north-west of Adelaide on the Spencer Gulf, Cultana has the ideal terrain and climate for year-round armoured, mechanised and cavalry forces training.
