Defence SA and the South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC) are proud to have led our largest ever South Australian delegation to Avalon 2023, showcasing the state’s world-class defence and space capabilities.
The biennial AVALON Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition is the country’s largest international aviation, aerospace and defence industry exposition attracting decision makers from around the globe.
Following a three year hiatus due to COVID-19, the 2023 edition was the biggest in the event’s history, providing a platform to showcase South Australian industry expertise and capabilities to the world.
Defence State pavilion exhibitors
Home to seven of the world’s top 10 defence companies, some of the most high-tech and innovative small and medium enterprises, and research and development institutes working at the cutting-edge, South Australia is at the forefront of the nation’s defence and space endeavours.
More than 50 high-profile companies, research and education providers exhibited on The South Australia – The Defence State stand, representing South Australia’s largest contingent ever.
Did you know South Australia is home to more than 300 defence and over 100 space-related organisations? You can explore them all by visiting our Defence Industry Directory or Space Industry Directory.
South Australia’s defence and space projects
South Australia’s experienced and capable industry base delivers many of the country’s largest and most complex defence projects and is at the forefront of nation’s space endeavours.
Home to the nation’s most advanced intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare capabilities centred around Edinburgh Defence Precinct, South Australia is fast establishing as the ADF’s operational hub for information warfare, and continues to evolve to meet the needs of some of the nation’s most critical Defence projects.
The state is also leading the way in supporting Australia’s endeavours to build sovereign space capability, with the innovative, entrepreneurial and forward-thinking space community focused on delivering space-derived services and products to customers across the globe.
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 Defence 737 deep maintenance and modification facility is also be established to provide the critical infrastructure necessary for onshore maintenance and upgrade of the aircraft.
Triton Unmanned Aircraft System
Triton Unmanned Aircraft System
Adelaide will be the centre of Australia’s strategic unmanned aerial vehicle fleet, complementing the nation’s new fleet of P-8A Poseidon aircraft for maritime surveillance, based at RAAF Base Edinburgh.
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.
Gulfstream G550
Gulfstream G550
The Australian Government will acquire four modified Gulfstream G550 aircraft, designated the MC-55A Peregrine, based out of RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia.
Project Sentinel
Project Sentinel
Cobham is contracted to provide airborne surveillance operations for Australia’s national security, border protection, law enforcement, and environmental protection.
Space
Space
Home to the Australian Space Agency, Australian Space Discovery Centre, world-class Mission Control Centre, Australia’s first two launch facility licences 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 driving the growth of Australia’s cyber industry, creating high-tech jobs and supporting the development of a cyber workforce for global businesses that can establish cyber teams in South Australia to take advantage of our world class research, education, market reach and lower cost environment.
Information Warfare
Information Warfare
With world-class infrastructure and industry expertise, state-of-the-art defence precincts, innovative research and a highly-skilled workforce, South Australia is well-placed to respond to increasing demand for operational level information warfare capabilities.
Defence and space facilities
South Australia is a centre for defence innovation and skills, with 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.
EDINBURGH DEFENCE PRECINCT
EDINBURGH DEFENCE PRECINCT
Edinburgh Defence Precinct is a key national defence research, manufacturing and sustainment hub housing over 6,500 personnel at RAAF Base Edinburgh, the largest Defence Science and Technology Group presence in the nation, and major defence companies.
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.
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.
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 Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force.
AUSTRALIAN SPACE PARK
AUSTRALIAN SPACE PARK
South Australia will be home to Australia’s first dedicated space manufacturing hub, further cementing the state’s reputation as the Space State and providing a vital manufacturing link to the local space industry value chain.
LAUNCH FACILITIES
LAUNCH FACILITIES
South Australia is home to the first two launch facility licences awarded by the Australian Space Agency, Koonibba Test Range and Whalers Way Launch Complex.
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