South Australia’s defence and advanced manufacturing sectors have received a major boost with US aerospace company Life Support International (LSI) opening its first facility outside the United States in Adelaide.

Located in Elizabeth South, the new service centre will maintain life-saving equipment used on maritime patrol aircraft, including the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon fleet based at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

LSI’s flagship product, the UNI-PAC III, is a 20-person life raft deployed from the aircraft’s bomb bay, which previously had to be shipped back to the US for servicing. With the new Adelaide facility, maintenance will now be carried out locally, improving turnaround times and strengthening Australia’s sovereign capability.

The company’s decision to set up in South Australia was supported by a $100,000 grant through the Department of State Development’s Investment Accelerator Program and influenced by the joint $200 million Federal and State investment in the Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility being established adjacent to RAAF Base Edinburgh.

LSI President Greg Yerkes highlighted the significance of the new facility in South Australia, reaffirming the company’s core mission and future ambitions.

“Today marks a proud moment for Life Support International with the opening of our new facility here in South Australia. From the beginning, LSI has been guided by a simple but vital purpose: to deliver mission-critical equipment that saves lives,” said Mr Yerkes.

“Over the years, our products have supported military aircrews, search-and-rescue teams, and first responders, ensuring that when they go into harm’s way, they come home safely.”

“We look forward to expanding our presence in the Indo Pacific region and hiring and training South Australians in our specialist field of Aeronautical Life Support Equipment.”

BiORG, a South Australian veteran-owned company specialising in defence logistics and support systems, will manage the day-to-day operations of the new site.

Two South Australians have already been trained and employed at the facility, with plans to grow the team to 17 by 2030. The centre will create specialised roles in aircraft maintenance, aerospace engineering and supply chain logistics, further strengthening South Australia’s position as a regional hub for defence aerospace and life-saving technologies.

BiORG CEO Doug Phillips reflected on the achievement as a testament to innovation, agility and strong collaboration with defence.

“In under 10 months, our combined teams have delivered a comprehensive Sustainment Strategy, stood up a contract, established a brand-new business, hired and trained a South Australian workforce, and fitted-out a facility from scratch,” said Mr Phillips.

“Together, we’ve set a new benchmark for speed to capability: the first UNI-PAC III servicing was completed ahead of schedule, and within just three months of LSI’s contract signature with the Royal Australian Air Force.”

This milestone not only enhances Australia’s defence readiness but also reinforces South Australia’s reputation as a leader in military aircraft sustainment and support.

Read the media release