South Australian company CyberOps has partnered with US-based Kratos Cybersecurity Services to help local businesses meet the cybersecurity standards required to participate in US Defence supply chains and capitalise on opportunities through AUKUS.

The partnership will deliver Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) readiness and advisory services across Australia, supporting local companies in achieving compliance with the stringent cybersecurity requirements mandated by the US Department of Defense (DoD).

CyberOps and Kratos formalised their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Indo Pacific 2025, combining Kratos’ global reputation as one of the first authorised CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organisations (C3PAO) with CyberOps’ two decades of experience in defence security compliance.

CyberOps CEO and Founder Dr Daniel Floreani said the partnership positions the company as a key enabler in securing Australia’s Defence supply chain.

“CyberOps is amongst the first Australian providers of CMMC 2.0 readiness and assessment services through our partnership with Kratos, a US-authorised C3PAO,” Dr Floreani said.

“Together, we enable Australian organisations to become trusted contributors to the US Defence supply chain.”

“Our clients require deep expertise and capability in understanding the US Defence landscape to support their expansion of services or products into the US DoD.”

CMMC is a compliance framework developed by the US DoD to ensure contractors maintain robust cybersecurity standards.

With CMMC requirements set to become mandatory for all companies bidding on US Defence contracts, Australian businesses must meet these standards to participate in the US Defence supply chains.

Through the partnership, CyberOps will provide CMMC advisory services and help Australian companies prepare for formal assessments.

Kratos Director of Cybersecurity Services Cole French said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening cyber resilience across allied defence sectors.

“Our synergy with CyberOps brings together our combined technical expertise and experience in compliance requirements for Defence. This MoU reinforces our shared commitment and collaborative approach in helping Australian businesses excel in the US,” Mr French said.

South Australian Minister for Trade and Investment and Industry, Innovation and Science, the Hon Joe Szakacs MP welcomed the partnership, highlighting its significance for local companies wanting to enter US Defence supply chains.

“This partnership between CyberOps and Kratos is a strong example of cyber collaboration between the US and Australia, combining the expertise of our nations to shape a secure and stable Indo Pacific,” said Minister Szakacs.

“It demonstrates how South Australian companies are leading the way in securing our supply chain and ensuring our defence industry is ready to deliver under the AUKUS partnership.”

The rollout of CMMC across the US Defence Industrial Base will require Australian companies to hold a valid CMMC status at the time of contract award. This makes readiness training not just beneficial, but essential for any business seeking to operate within the US DoD supply chain.