Welcome to South Australia, Australia’s premier Defence State.
South Australia is Australia’s leading defence state, recognised for its innovation, world-class research and development, advanced manufacturing capabilities and highly skilled workforce.
The state is home to some of the nation’s most significant defence programs and precincts. This includes the Osborne Naval Shipyard, which is undergoing a multi-billion-dollar transformation to deliver Australia’s conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS agreement.
Beyond the future submarine program, South Australia supports the construction of Hunter class frigates, ongoing sustainment and delivery of the Collins-class submarine Life of Type Extension (LOTE) program, and anti-submarine warfare activities including the Royal Australian Air Force’s P-8A Poseidon aircraft fleet based at RAAF Base Edinburgh.
Combined with expertise in undersea surveillance, autonomous systems, advanced manufacturing, defence research and innovation, these activities have helped establish South Australia as a leading centre for undersea defence capability in Australia.
This concentration of expertise, infrastructure and industry capability helped secure Adelaide as host of the inaugural Undersea Defence Technology (UDT) Australia event, marking the first time in the event’s 37-year history it will be held outside Europe.
Held over three days, the program will feature a two-day expo and conference and a one-day industry visit program.
Recognised as the world’s leading exhibition and conference dedicated to undersea defence technology, UDT brings together international researchers, military and industry leaders to explore emerging technologies, share insights and build partnerships across the maritime and undersea domain.
Defence SA will host the South Australia – The Defence State stand at UDT Australia, bringing together over 20 leading defence companies and research organisations to showcase their expertise, technology and capabilities. Visitors can also connect with South Australian organisations exhibiting independently throughout the exhibition.
Visit South Australia – The Defence State stand at UDT Australia, Adelaide Showground on 2 and 3 December 2026.
South Australian companies at UDT Australia
South Australia is home to seven of the world’s top 10 defence companies and more than 400 specialised small to medium defence related organisations, supported by leading research institutions and a highly skilled workforce.
At UDT Australia, visitors can connect with over 20 organisations on the South Australia – The Defence State stand, as well as South Australian companies exhibiting independently across the exhibition floor.
Explore the organisations below to learn more about the technologies, products and services helping advance undersea and maritime defence capability.
To explore the full list of organisations within the defence sector in South Australia, visit our Defence Industry Directory.
Find them on Stand Nos. 2G01, L3-J13, 1M01, 2L01
Find them on Stand No. 1K08
Find them on Stand No. L3-L18
South Australian Government exhibitor spotlight
South Australian Government representatives will be on the South Australia – The Defence State stand at UDT Australia, offering expertise across defence, research and development, and innovation.
If you have any questions or to book a meeting with our team at UDT Australia, please get in touch via [email protected].
Defence SA is South Australia’s lead government agency for all defence matters, driving expansion opportunities, supporting major projects and strengthening state capabilities.
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 a dedicated team of investment and business professionals that can connect you with opportunities, industry networks, and other government agencies in South Australia.
South Australia’s defence projects
South Australia’s experienced and capable industrial base is part of the supply chain delivering many of the nation’s largest and most complex defence projects.
Below is a snapshot of key projects demonstrating the state’s current and emerging undersea defence capabilities.
Collins Class Submarines
Collins Class Submarines
The Collins Class submarines have provided Australia with a potent, conventionally powered submarine capability for more than 30 years. The Collins Life of Type Extension project will enable the submarines to continue operating effectively for 10 years beyond their original withdrawal date.
Nuclear-powered submarine program
Nuclear-powered submarine program
Under the AUKUS agreement, three US Virginia class nuclear-powered submarines will be delivered to Australia in the early 2030s. The UK will deliver its own SSN-AUKUS in the late 2030s, with the first SSN-AUKUS built at Osborne Naval Shipyard to be delivered in the early 2040s.
Hunter Class Frigates
Hunter Class Frigates
The Hunter class frigate program will deliver a fleet of six world-class anti-submarine warfare frigates to the boost the undersea warfare and strike capabilities of the Royal Australian Navy. The first frigate, being built at Osborne, will be delivered in 2032.
Hobart Class Destroyers
Hobart Class Destroyers
The Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyers are among Australia’s most capable warships, providing advanced air and missile defence while also conducting anti-submarine, anti-surface and maritime security operations. Comprehensive upgrades to the destroyers’ combat system are underway from the Osborne on the first of three destroyers.
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 surveillance aircraft. The fleet of 14 Poseidons strengthen Australia’s ability to conduct anti-submarine warfare, maritime strike, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations in support of Australia’s security and regional stability.
Information Warfare
Information Warfare
South Australia is a key operational hub for Defence intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare.
Defence and innovation facilities
South Australia is also home to world-class infrastructure and state-of-the-art defence precincts and test ranges, ensuring local industry is equipped to deliver the Defence capabilities needed now and into the future.
OSBORNE NAVAL SHIPYARD
OSBORNE NAVAL SHIPYARD
The nation’s premier naval industry hub and arguably most technologically advanced naval shipyard in the world is supporting large scale shipbuilding projects, including the Hunter class frigates, the future-built AUKUS submarines and sustainment of the Collins class submarines.
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.
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. The seven-hectare hub brings together the state’s leading abilities in the space, defence, critical technologies and creative industries.
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 government support programs and a network of companies working within the defence and space sectors.
DEFENCE AND SPACE LANDING PAD - UK
DEFENCE AND SPACE LANDING PAD - UK
The Defence and Space Landing Pad – UK is based at the Office of the Agent General in central London, offering visiting defence and space companies access to temporary office and meeting spaces. This initiative is designed to help South Australian businesses engage with global supply chains and unlock opportunities through the AUKUS partnership.
