A significant construction milestone in the delivery of one of the nation’s most critical defence infrastructure projects has been reached, with the installation of four giant aircraft hangar doors at the Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility (DMMF) at Edinburgh. The doors, each wide enough to allow a Boeing 737 to pass through, mark the completion of the external structure of the facility, clearing the way for the completion of the internal fit-out of the building. Once operational, the facility is set to strengthen Australia’s sovereign defence capability, providing on-shore maintenance and modification support for the Royal Australian Air Force’s fleet ...

A new guided weapons facility has been established in Port Wakefield to support the production of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missiles for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Set to begin assembly by the end of 2025 using components imported from the United States, the partnership between Defence and Lockheed Martin Australia will generate approximately 20 local manufacturing jobs at the site, and hundreds more across the supply chain. The development marks a significant milestone in Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise plan that aims to acquire more long-range strike systems and manufacture longer-range munitions in Australia. ...

Flinders University has partnered with Blueforge Alliance Australia (BFAA) to advance maritime research, education and workforce development in support of AUKUS defence programs. The partnership will see Flinders and BFAA collaborate on research and education initiatives that strengthen advanced manufacturing for undersea platforms and build sovereign capability. Under the agreement, Flinders researchers will contribute to supply chain capability uplift while also developing workforce programs for current and future students. Flinders Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Raymond Chan said the agreement with Blueforge reinforces the university’s long-standing leadership in research and education that supports Australia’s current and future defence needs. “Flinders University ...

South Australia is reinforcing its position at the forefront of defence and space innovation through a national collaboration aimed at detecting hypersonic threats from orbit. The Space-based Sensor for Hypersonic Missile Early Warning project, part of the iLAuNCH Trailblazer program, will design and demonstrate an advanced small-satellite system that combines infrared detection technology with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). This capability will enable faster, more accurate detection of hypersonic vehicles; a critical requirement for Australia’s national security and a key focus under AUKUS Pillar II technology collaboration. This project showcases the strength of collaboration across states and industry, ...

Saab Australia and Adelaide University have signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) to strengthen their collaboration and support Australia’s sovereign defence capability. The agreement builds on their long-standing relationship and focuses on future technologies such as distributed command and control, autonomous systems and hypersonics. The partnership will support joint research on key priorities, encourage regular knowledge-sharing and help grow the workforce through internships, work placements, industry events and training programs. It will also tap into research networks to speed up innovation and increase impact. Adelaide University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, International and External Engagement, Professor Jessica Gallagher, highlights the SPA as ...

South Australian defence companies Silentium Defence and REDARC Defence & Space have joined forces to accelerate the delivery of next-generation surveillance solutions. A global leader in passive radar systems, Silentium Defence has announced a strategic manufacturing partnership with REDARC Defence & Space, one of Australia’s most respected advanced electronics manufacturers for the defence and space sectors. The collaboration marks a significant step in building Australia’s sovereign defence industrial capability. By combining Silentium Defence’s cutting-edge passive radar technology with REDARC’s world-class manufacturing expertise, the partnership will accelerate the delivery of leading surveillance solutions to Australian and global markets. Silentium Defence’s passive ...

Indo Pacific 2025 delivered its most successful event in 25 years, setting new records for attendance and international engagement. The three-day exposition brought together over 900 exhibitors, 240 delegations from 58 nations, and 39 Chiefs of Navy or equivalent counterparts, creating an unmatched opportunity for collaboration and innovation. With capability pavilions representing every Australian state and territory and international pavilions from six nations, the event showcased the very best in maritime and Defence technology. With more than 65 companies featured on the Defence State stand, Indo Pacific 2025 was a landmark event for South Australia. Throughout the week the state’s ...

The South Australian Government has partnered with the Australian affiliate of US-based BlueForge Alliance (BFA) to help build the state’s skilled workforce and industrial base to deliver Australia’s conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine program. The collaboration with BlueForge Alliance Australia (BFAA) will facilitate knowledge transfer from its US counterpart and support the delivery of the SSN-AUKUS program in South Australia. Under the MoU, BFAA plans to establish a presence in the state, working closely with government, academic and industry partners. The partnership will benefit Australia, the US and the UK, while contributing to workforce development, industry capability, technology development, supply chain ...

South Australian company AEROBOND GROUP has officially opened its expanded defence facility in Woodville, marking a major step forward in Australia’s maritime production and maintenance capability. The 3,500m² facility has been purpose-built to meet the stringent technical and security requirements of the defence sector. The facility supports the manufacture, repair and maintenance of critical systems for current and future maritime platforms. AEROBOND Managing Director Justin Struik said the investment reflects the company’s long-term commitment to strengthening sovereign capability. “Our team brings specialised skills and deep experience in high performance composite structures, precision engineering, and defence sustainment. We are proud to ...

A cutting-edge defence technology project led by Northrop Grumman and the University of Adelaide, under the Defence Trailblazer program, has reached a major milestone with the successful completion of its proof-of-concept phase. Focused on developing Hollow Core Optical Fibres for next-generation gyroscopes, the project marks a big step forward in opening new opportunities for local suppliers to enter global defence supply chains, such as Northrop Grumman’s Global Supply Chain. Hollow Core Optical Fibres are a key component in Fibre Optic Gyroscopes, which are used in navigation systems for defence and aerospace applications. Being able to manufacture these fibres locally would ...

South Australian company CyberOps has partnered with US-based Kratos Cybersecurity Services to help local businesses meet the cybersecurity standards required to participate in US Defence supply chains and capitalise on opportunities through AUKUS. The partnership will deliver Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) readiness and advisory services across Australia, supporting local companies in achieving compliance with the stringent cybersecurity requirements mandated by the US Department of Defense (DoD). CyberOps and Kratos formalised their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Indo Pacific 2025, combining Kratos’ global reputation as one of the first authorised CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organisations (C3PAO) with ...

South Australia’s defence industry has received another major boost, with Ultra Maritime at Mawson Lakes selected to deliver a cutting-edge torpedo defence system for the Royal Australian Navy’s Hunter class frigates. BAE Systems Maritime Australia has awarded Ultra Maritime the contract to supply its Surface Ship Torpedo Defence (SSTD) system, a world-leading capability designed to protect warships from underwater threats. Each Hunter class frigate will be equipped with the SSTD system, which combines advanced acoustic detection and integrated countermeasures. Using a sonar and two decoy methods, the system not only detects incoming torpedoes but also advises crews on tactics, such ...