South Australia is Australia’s premier defence state – set to play a crucial role in the AUKUS partnership as home to the build of Australia’s fleet of SSN-AUKUS conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
The Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia is undergoing a major transformation to support the SSN-AUKUS program, reinforcing South Australia’s role in strengthening Indo-Pacific security and global stability.
Osborne is also the home of the Hunter class frigate program, Collins class submarine life of type extension and the Hobart class destroyer upgrades, cementing the state’s position at the centre of Australia’s major maritime programs.
Beyond Osborne, South Australia hosts a diverse range of Defence facilities and is well-equipped to support both Pillar I and II of the AUKUS agreement, as well as other key maritime projects.
This is underpinned by a highly skilled workforce, world-class research institutions and a thriving ecosystem of more than 500 defence SMEs and primes.
South Australia’s defence industry leadership will take centre stage at Indo Pacific, the region’s premier commercial maritime and naval defence exposition, connecting Australian and international Defence, industry, government, academia and technology leaders.
More than 65 South Australian companies will be represented on the Defence State Stand, showcasing their cutting-edge capabilities across maritime, autonomous systems, guided weapons and explosive ordnance, cyber and electronic warfare.
Visit the South Australia – the Defence State stand in Hall 3, Stand 3C74, from 4-6 November 2025, and discover how South Australia is shaping the future of global defence.
South Australian companies at Indo Pacific 2025
South Australia is home to seven of the world’s top ten defence companies and more than 500 small to medium defence and space related organisations and leading research institutions. Together, they contribute to South Australia’s position at the forefront of Australia’s defence and space sectors.
More than 65 high profile companies, research and education institutions listed below will join the Defence State Stand at Indo Pacific. To explore the full list of organisations within the defence sector in South Australia visit our Defence Industry Directory.
South Australian Government exhibitor spotlight
Defence SA is South Australia’s lead government agency for all defence matters, and encompasses the South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC), Defence Innovation Partnership (DIP) and Veterans SA. Invest SA sits within the Department for State Development.
We will have State Government expertise available across defence and R&D.
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.
Veterans SA leads South Australian Government advocacy on matters related to veterans and their families, and is dedicated to building a confident, well-supported and forward-thinking veteran community.
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.
Get in touch
For any enquiries or to book a meeting with our team at Indo Pacific, please get in touch via [email protected]
South Australia’s defence projects
South Australia’s experienced and capable industry base is part of the supply chain delivering many of the country’s largest and most complex defence projects.
As the nation’s naval shipbuilding capital, the state’s maritime strengths are complemented by advanced capabilities in autonomous systems, guided weapons and explosive ordnance, cyber, electronic warfare and space. The state also drives innovation in defence through collaborative research initiatives driven by the Defence Innovation Partnership.
Below is a snapshot of major 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.
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.
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 (LOTE) programs for the fleet.
HOBART CLASS AIR WARFARE DESTROYERS
HOBART CLASS AIR WARFARE DESTROYERS
South Australia is delivering major combat system upgrades to the Royal Australian Navy’s Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyers, the country’s most advanced warships.
Having successfully delivered all three Hobart Class Destroyers, the state is now playing a critical role in ensuring they remain a potent force for the Navy well into the future.
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.
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.
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 (GWEO).
Cyber
Cyber
South Australia is driving the growth of Australia’s cyber industry, creating hi-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
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 ensuring local industry is equipped to deliver the defence capabilities needed now and into the future, including:
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.
TONSLEY INNOVATION DISTRICT
TONSLEY INNOVATION DISTRICT
Tonsley Innovation District brings together research industry and government to drive innovation, advanced manufacturin,, Industry 4.0 technologies, research and training. It is also the location of the Flinders Factory of the Future and digital shipyard.
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.
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. Key tenants include the Australian Space Agency, SmatSat CRC, Defence and Space Landing Pad, Australian Institute for Machine Learning and Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre.
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.
TEST AND TRAINING FACILITIES
TEST AND TRAINING FACILITIES
South Australia is home to a large and varied contingent of Australian Defence organisation facilities including the Woomera Range Complex, Cultana Training Area, RAAF Base Edinburgh and Port Wakefield Proof and Experimental Establishment.
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.
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.
