South Australian-based quantum company QuantX Labs has partnered with the University of Adelaide to further their existing precision sensing and timekeeping technologies. Building on previous collaborations with researchers at the University of Adelaide’s Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS), this $13.8 million project aims to produce commercial atomic clocks and decrease the size, weight and power (SWaP) while improving reliability and performance. This technology – in contrast to the vulnerable GPS satellite network currently providing universal timing and positioning information – can provide precise and secure synchronisation to support navigation and positioning, reconnaissance and surveillance, and command and control. ...

BAE Systems Australia has unveiled plans for a $25 million upgrade to its Edinburgh Parks Defence Precinct, in a move that will strengthen South Australia’s advanced manufacturing and defence capability. The major upgrade is set to include a new Security Operations Centre to support AUKUS and Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) programs, as well as machining facilities to boost missile production for the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) program. Located in Adelaide’s north, the Precinct is a critical hub for defence advanced manufacturing, research, development and sustainment. This investment will significantly enhance the Precinct, which is part of a broader ...

A new partnership between Boeing Defence Australia and The Heights Technical College is set to strengthen South Australia's defence industry by nurturing the next generation of aerospace and engineering professionals. Boeing Defence Australia, a major employer in the local and global aerospace industry, is set to work with the Department of Education to design learning programs and workplace experiences required for students with their sights set on a career in the local defence industry. The skills developed by the students at the College will be vital for workers at the Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility (DMMF) being built at Edinburgh. ...

Veteran-owned architecture and design firm Actus is the latest tenant to join the Defence and Space Landing Pad at South Australia’s Lot Fourteen innovation district. Based in WA, Actus delivers tailored architectural, landscaping and interior design solutions for Defence and civilian clients. The company, which has supported Defence infrastructure projects nationwide, has expanded its footprint into South Australia to provide architectural services to key stakeholders within the state’s Defence industry. “Adelaide is the heart of Australia’s defence industry and Actus is committed to making a lasting contribution here,” said Justin Cloney, Director of Operations at Actus. “South Australia’s defence ecosystem ...

Construction has commenced on a cutting-edge precision manufacturing facility at South Australia’s QPE Advanced Machining, which will boost production of complex components to support major defence programs, including future AUKUS initiatives. The $2 million, 500m2 facility, located northwest of Adelaide, is designed to accommodate advanced machining equipment capable of producing large, complex components. Once operational, the site will support high-performance, multi-face machining of parts up to eight metres in length, using advanced materials and techniques. The project is expected to generate more than 20 highly skilled full-time jobs and is scheduled for completion in early 2026. The facility positions QPE, ...

South Australian defence manufacturers APC Technology and PMB Defence are collaborating on a critical component of the battery monitoring system for the UK’s nuclear submarine program. Under the collaboration, APC Technology, a leading Australian manufacturer of ruggedised computing and display solutions for Defence, will design and build specialised display units that interface with PMB Defence's advanced battery monitoring systems. The display units will deliver critical operational data and visibility of the performance and status of the submarine batteries – an essential component of the vessel's propulsion chain. As a global manufacturer of submarine battery systems, PMB Defence is testing and ...

REDARC Defence & Space has partnered with US-based aerospace and defence electronics manufacturing company, Projects Unlimited, to unlock collaboration and supply chain opportunities in the US. The partnership, which supports AUKUS objectives by enhancing interoperability and accelerating the integration of critical technologies, establishes a framework for collaboration between the two companies Based in South Australia, REDARC Defence & Space is a leading provider of advanced power solutions for defence and space. The company will leverage PUI’s established US manufacturing presence and expertise in circuit card assemblies, box build integration, cable and wiring solutions, enhancing advanced manufacturing and engineering capabilities locally. ...

Ten South Australian companies will share in more than $2.78 million through the first round of the Australian Government’s Defence Industry Development Grants. Designed to assist small to medium enterprises build the nation’s sovereign capability, the grants focus on export, skilling, security, and sovereign industrial priorities. Recipients are using the funding to strengthen security postures, acquire advanced manufacturing equipment and upskill employees. The South Australian recipients are: Axiom Precision Manufacturing will receive $1 million to acquire a hydroform press to manufacture complex sheet metal components used across naval shipbuilding, guided weapons and aircraft. Mincham Aviation will receive $891,621 to acquire ...

Local design and manufacturing company APC Technology has shared an update on their collaboration with Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA) for Land 400 Phase 3. Chosen by HDA as the sole domestic supplier of the Australian Standard General Vehicle Architecture (ASGVA) screens and Large Briefing displays for the program in 2024, APC has since designed and produced prototypes for installation within the Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicles and Joint Fires vehicles. The project began with extensive design and engineering phases, followed by a two-part prototyping stage, which was successfully completed in early 2025. The company not only surpassed environmental testing requirements, but ...

Australia’s defence industry has taken a significant step forward with the official launch of the nation’s first suite of credit-ready Combat Systems Engineering Micro-credentials. Developed under the Defence Trailblazer Industry Upskilling Program, the innovative suite of micro-credentials was co-created by the University of Adelaide, UNSW and Lockheed Martin Australia to strengthen Australia’s national security capabilities. The program addresses a critical gap in formal qualification pathways for combat systems engineering in Australia and offers a strategic solution to rapidly upskill professionals in key defence technologies. Defence Trailblazer’s Executive Director Dr Sanjay Mazumdar explained technological advancements are rapidly transforming the defence landscape ...

H&B Defence has secured its first contract to support the AUKUS trilateral security partnership, marking a significant step in strengthening Australia’s supply chain capabilities. A joint venture between HII and Babcock, H&B Defence is leading the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification Pilot Program. The A$9.6 million contract, awarded by the Australian Government, formalises H&B Defence’s role in delivering the program. H&B Defence Board Chairman and HII Australia President Michael Lempke said the joint venture brings unmatched global expertise to the program. “H&B Defence brings together the only two organisations worldwide with comprehensive expertise in every aspect of nuclear-powered submarine activities, and ...

A major milestone has been reached in the construction of South Australia’s landmark Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility (DMMF), with the steel frame of the expansive four-bay aircraft hangar now complete. More than 60 per cent of the 1,800 tonnes of structural steel used in the frame was sourced from the Whyalla Steelworks, reinforcing the state’s commitment to sovereign capability, local industry and advanced manufacturing. Located adjacent to RAAF Base Edinburgh in northern Adelaide, the use of Whyalla steel in the $200 million DMMF project builds on a $2.4 billion commitment by the Australian and South Australian governments to revitalise ...