A new state-of-the-art innovation hub – to be known as Defence HQ – will further boost South Australia’s reputation as a powerhouse of defence, space and critical technology capability. Construction of the new facility, underway at Lot Fourteen in the heart of the Adelaide CBD, will also support the nation’s AUKUS endeavours and will become the national corporate headquarters for Australia’s largest defence company, BAE Systems. BAE Systems Chief Executive Officer Craig Lockhart said that the new headquarters would support strong growth for the company over the next three to five years, with the majority of it expected in South ...

South Australia’s role at the centre of the AUKUS submarine program has been strengthened, with the Australian Government announcing an additional $4.6 billion investment in the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard at Osborne. The investment in Australian Naval Infrastructure (ANI) will support ongoing construction and development across the Osborne precinct as work continues to build the infrastructure, workforce and industrial capability required to deliver Australia’s future conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS. The latest funding builds on the $3.9 billion announced in February, bringing the Australian Government’s investment in the project to $8.5 billion. The Osborne construction yard is a key ...

South Australian defence businesses will have access to a new pilot program designed to strengthen their cyber resilience, improve defence readiness and help unlock new opportunities in defence supply chains across Australia and international markets. The South Australian Defence Industry Cyber Capability Uplift Program will support up to 30 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the state’s defence sector to better understand the cyber security requirements needed to compete for Defence and global supply chain opportunities. An initiative of Defence SA, the program will be delivered by the Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre (Aus3C) in partnership with De Stefano & Co ...

Stärke Advanced Manufacturing Group (AMG), in partnership with Flinders University, has expanded its metal additive manufacturing capability at its Camden Park facility, to support sectors such as defence, space and medical to transition from traditional to advanced manufacturing. The company has added three Renishaw AM400 laser powder bed fusion systems to its production environment, to help meet growing demand for advanced 3D printed components and reduce Australia’s reliance on imported parts. Additive manufacturing uses digitally controlled processes to build components layer by layer, selectively melting metal powder with either an electron beam or a laser to create highly precise, complex ...

South Australian-based Saab Australia has marked a milestone with its 100th Multi-Function Console (MFC) ready for export. Designed, developed and manufactured in Australia, the MFC delivers a naval capability that allows operators to monitor and control multiple complex systems simultaneously from a purpose-built integrated, modern and ergonomic workstation. The MFC is currently in service with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and navies across Europe and North America. When paired with Saab’s command and control software, it can reduce operator mental load and fatigue during complex missions supporting improved decision-making. Saab Australia’s Managing Director, Andy Keough CSC, explained the milestone reflects ...

Australia has finalised its largest-ever defence export deal, announcing a $2.5 billion agreement to deliver an advanced over-the-horizon radar (OTHR) capability to Canada. The government-to-government arrangement will see Australia’s high-frequency surveillance technology – originally developed by the Defence Science and Technology Group in Adelaide – deployed to establish an Arctic over-the-horizon radar (A-OTHR) system, enhancing Canada’s ability to detect and track threats across vast distances. With demonstrated experience in the full lifecycle support of OTHR capabilities, including the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN), BAE Systems Australia will serve as the primary industry partner for both governments, supporting the delivery, integration ...

South Australian-based defence leader KONGSBERG Australia has exported the first batch of Australian-made Naval Strike Missile (NSM) Coastal Defence System (CDS) command and control consoles to Europe. Produced at KONGSBERG Australia’s Mawson Lakes facility, the consoles represent a significant step in delivering advanced, locally manufactured defence capability to international markets. Assembled, integrated and tested in South Australia, KONGSBERG Australia Managing Director John Fry said the milestone demonstrated the capability of Australian industry to deliver world-class defence solutions. “This first export delivery is a proud moment for our Australian team and supply chain partners, and our Global Supply Chain Program, demonstrating ...

South Australian technology company Minelab is delivering life-saving capability to defence forces and humanitarian organisations worldwide, producing advanced mine detection systems for some of the world’s most challenging conditions. Part of leading South Australian technology company Codan, Minelab has delivered more than 200 of its MDS-20 mine detectors to the Australian Defence Force (ADF), helping detect and clear landmines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other explosive hazards in conflict and post-conflict zones. Designed, engineered and manufactured at Minelab’s Mawson Lakes facility, the advanced handheld system combines metal detection with ground penetrating radar to detect low-metal mines, plastic explosive containers and ...

The theme for this year’s UDT Australia conference has been unveiled, setting the agenda for how the future of undersea defence capability will be designed, developed and delivered. Under the banner Engineering the Undersea Future, the conference will explore how emerging technologies are translated from concept into operational capability, a critical challenge for defence forces globally. UDT Australia will take place in Adelaide from 2-4 December 2026, bringing together leaders from across government, navy, industry and academia to examine the next generation of undersea systems and capability. The event marks the first time in its 37-year history that UDT will ...

South Australian defence company Silentium Defence is accelerating its expansion into North America, establishing a new United States headquarters in Apex, North Carolina. The move marks a significant milestone in the Adelaide-based company’s global growth strategy, strengthening its ability to support U.S. customers while creating new export opportunities for Australian-developed defence technology. New leadership appointments have also been announced, with Matthew Ratnesar joining Silentium as Chief Executive Officer, North America to lead the U.S. expansion and Sam Macmillan as Chief Financial Officer. The appointments will help the company expand across allied defence markets, building on strong market momentum that includes ...

South Australia will lead the next phase of Australia’s submarine sustainment effort, with a major overhaul of Australia’s Collins Class fleet set to begin at Osborne Naval Shipyard later this month. The Life of Type Extension (LOTE) program will commence with HMAS Farncomb before rolling out across all six submarines, reinforcing the state’s central role in delivering the nation’s future submarine capability. As one of the oldest and most heavily operated vessels, Farncomb will undergo a detailed engineering assessment to tailor its upgrades and inform work across the entire class. Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said the program represents ...