A new strategic partnership will see South Australia become the Indo-Pacific service centre for specialised aeronautical life support equipment manufactured by US company Life Support International (LSI). Under the partnership, BiORG, a South Australian veteran-owned company specialising in defence support systems and logistics, will manage the day-to-day operation of LSI’s new maintenance facility at Elizabeth and provide ongoing specialist maintenance of LSI’s flagship product, UNI-PAC III. UNI-PAC III is an air-deployable search and rescue system designed to save lives at sea when a ship is too far away for immediate assistance. It contains a 20-person life raft and survival aids ...

DEWC Services' Jesse Jones has been announced as the winner of the 2025 Australian Defence Industry Network (AIDN) SA Young Achiever Award. Now in its 19th year, the Young Achiever Award recognises the exceptional contributions of young professionals under 30 who are making a meaningful impact in the defence industry. Four emerging leaders were nominated for the award, each demonstrating passion and a commitment to advancing Australia’s defence capabilities. Jesse has worked at DEWC Services for four years, having started his career as an engineering graduate and progressing into his current role of Software Engineer Consultant where he works primarily ...

Four South Australian organisations are set to receive a combined total of nearly $2 million through the latest $17.3 million round of the Australian Government’s Defence Industry Development Grants Program. Designed to support small and medium enterprises, the program funds projects that enhance Australia’s defence manufacturing capabilities and increase export competitiveness whilst supporting local jobs and bolstering national security. The four dedicated funding streams within the program, sovereign industrial priorities, exports, security and skilling, provide support for industry across acquisition and commissioning, international accreditations, skills development and security posture implementation and maintenance. The following south Australian recipients have secured funding ...

BAE Systems Australia has awarded a 10-year contract to Australian naval contractor Eptec Defence Solutions to supply critical abrasive blast and paint services to the Hunter Class Frigate Program. With a team based at South Australia’s Osborne Naval Shipyard, Eptec has been providing blast and paint services to the Royal Australian Navy for over 25 years. The contract with BAE Systems Australia is the largest in Eptec’s history and will see the company support the first three Hunter class anti-submarine warships, being constructed at the Osborne. Paul Berryman, Acting Managing Director of BAE Systems Maritime Australia, said the company was looking forward to a strong ...

Australia and Canada have formalised a  strategic partnership aimed at advancing  Over the Horizon Radar (OTHR) capabilities, marking a significant step forward in defence research and development collaboration between the two nations. Announced on 18 July, the agreement  will enable both nations’ governments and defence industries to work on a range of critical initiatives including: Investigation of technical challenges associated with OTHR operations in the Arctic, further development of Australia’s Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) technology, and detailed planning for developing, manufacturing and commissioning of a Canadian OTHR capability. The Defence Science and Technology group (DSTG) will collaborate with their ...

REDARC Defence & Space has successfully handed over their groundbreaking Electronic Warfare Tactical Engagement Vehicle (EWTE), developed in partnership with Raytheon Australia. Officially unveiled at the Avalon Airshow in March, the nation-first mobile capability has been designed to test and refine Electronic Warfare (EW) technologies on the go, assisting local defence companies, research organisations and universities. REDARC Defence & Space utilised their comprehensive end-to-end capabilities to create and install the critical vehicle power solution. It has now been delivered to Raytheon’s Mawson Lakes facility where the EW components will be fitted. Executive General Manager of REDARC Defence & Space, Scott ...

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 ...