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 ...

A new Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility, the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, has officially opened at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia, marking a significant expansion of Australia’s aircraft sustainment capability. The $200 million facility will serve as a regional hub for the maintenance and long-term sustainment of military aircraft for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and partner nations. Shaped by early concept work driven by Defence SA, the construction project was led by Renewal SA and BESIX Watpac. The facility will enable long-term deep maintenance of the RAAF’s P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to be carried out onshore ...

South Australia’s defence industry has reached a new milestone, generating more than $2 billion in economic value for the past financial year, reinforcing the state’s position as a national leader in defence capability. New data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics highlights South Australia’s standout performance, leading the major states on a per‑capita basis for both defence economic output and defence industry employment. In 2024-25, South Australia generated around $1,060 in defence Gross Value Added (GVA) per person, almost three times higher than New South Wales, which recorded $381 per person. Overall, the defence sector contributed $2.015 billion in GVA, ...

Two South Australian defence companies have entered into a new partnership to support the United Kingdom’s nuclear submarine program, strengthening local industry involvement in AUKUS Pillar I work. Under the agreement, Aurizn, a leading provider of cutting-edge technology solutions, will provide specialist technical support for electrical battery systems as part of PMB Defence’s delivery of advanced submarine battery capability to the Royal Navy submarine fleet. Aurizn Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Humble said the partnership brings together complementary expertise from both companies. “We are pleased to partner with PMB Defence on this important program,” Ms Humble said. “This collaboration brings together ...